Electrical Safety Program 02-05-19

University of Pennsylvania
Electrical Safety
Program
Environmental Health & Radiation Safety

11/21/2018
3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104

Tel. 215.898-4453. Fax 215.898-0140. www.ehrs.upenn.edu
ELECTRICAL SAFETY Page: 2 of 66
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Contents
1. PURPOSE & CORE PRINCIPLES ......................................................................................................................4
2. SCOPE...................................................................................................................................................................5
3. DEFINITIONS ......................................................................................................................................................5
4. RESPONSIBILITIES ............................................................................................................................................9
5. HAZARD CONTROL........................................................................................................................................ 11
6. RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................ 13
7. ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT) ................... 13
8. WORK ON EXPOSED ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (PERMIT REQUIRED) ...................... 14
9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) & TOOLS.......................................................................... 18
10. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................... 22
11. RESEARCH LABORATORIES and SUPPORT SHOPS ............................................................................... 28
12. HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS .......................................................................................................................... 31
13. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES ...................................................................................................................... 36
14. TRAINING ....................................................................................................................................................... 37
15. ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAM AUDITING ........................................................................................ 38
16. OTHER ITEMS ................................................................................................................................................ 39
17. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 39
APPENDIX 1 - RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS ................................................................................................. 41
APPENDIX 2 - SHOCK PROTECTION APPROACH BOUNDARIES (AC/DC) ............................................... 48
APPENDIX 3 - ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT .......................................................................... 49
APPENDIX 4 - JOB BRIEFING PLANNING CHECKLIST ................................................................................ 51
APPENDIX 5 - HOW TO READ INCIDENT ENERGY/ARC FLASH LABELS ............................................... 53
APPENDIX 6 - ADDITIONAL SAFE WORK PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS ..................................................... 54
APPENDIX 7 - ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST .......................................................................... 56
APPENDIX 8 - ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT............................................................................................... 57
APPENDIX 9 - ARC FLASH HAZARD IDENTIFICATION FOR AC and DC SYSTEMS ............................... 59
APPENDIX 10 - ARC FLASH HAZARD PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR AC and DC SYSTEMS ...................... 63
APPENDIX 11 - HRC/ARC FLASH PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) CATEGORIES........... 65
3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

Tel. 215.898.4453. Fax 215.898.0140. www.ehrs.upenn.edu
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APPENDIX 12 - CUSTOM ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FIELD EVALUATION FORM ............................... 66

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1. PURPOSE & CORE PRINCIPLES
Electricity has long been recognized as a serious workplace hazard, exposing those who interact with it to such
dangers as electric shock, electrocution, fires and explosions. The goal of Penn’s Electrical Safety Program is to
prevent electricity-related injuries and property damage. This program also calls for the appropriate training for
University of Pennsylvania (Penn) faculty, staff and students to ensure they have the requisite knowledge and
understanding of safe electrical work practices and procedures. Only those qualified in this program may conduct
diagnostics, adjustment, repair or replacement of electrical components or equipment at Penn.
All electrical facilities shall be installed and maintained in a safe manner. All work involving electrical
energy shall be performed using the appropriate safe work practices. The primary safe work practice is to
establish an electrically safe work condition (performing work de-energized which includes lockout/tagout).
A basic rule that should be derived from this statement is that work on exposed energized conductors or parts
should be prohibited, except under justified, controlled, and approved circumstances.
A) The Core Principles for Penn’s Electrical Safety Program include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Plan every job. Decide on your approach and step-by-step procedures. Discuss hazards and procedures in
a job briefing with your supervisor and other workers before starting a job.
• De-energize the equipment to be worked on. Whenever possible, energized conductors and circuit parts
to which you might be exposed should be put into an electrically safe work condition.
• Conduct a Risk Assessment by identifying and minimizing the electrical hazard. Identify steps that
could create electric shock or arc flash hazards. De-energize the equipment or insulate or isolate exposed
energized conductors or circuit parts so you cannot contact them.
• Anticipate the unexpected. Protect yourself from shock, burn, blast, and other hazards inherent to
particular working environment.
• Inspect and evaluate the electrical equipment. Verify the voltage you are working on by reading the
nameplate on equipment.
• Use the right tools for the job. Make sure you have the proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and
voltage-rated gloves and tools for the job.
• Assess people’s abilities. Make sure you and everyone working with you is a Qualified Person with
appropriate training for the job.
• Audit these principles. Follow these principles on each and every job and review them periodically.

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B) Energized Electrical Work Policy
It is Penn’s policy to perform electrical work on de-energized systems (locked and tagged out).
There may be rare circumstances that necessitate work on energized systems. This may be the case if de-
energizing introduces additional or increased hazards or infeasibility due to equipment design or operational
limitations including testing of electric circuits that can only be performed with the circuit energized.
Justification for energized work must be provided and include the following:
• The appropriate job hazard/risk analysis.

• Workers and supervisory staff acknowledge they are “qualified” for the task(s).
• The work can be conducted safely.
• Proper safety planning and preparation occurs.
• Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is utilized.
Applicable documents may include, but not be limited to the Arc and Shock Hazard Risk Assessments, Job
Planning & Briefing Checklist and Energized Electrical Work Permit.
2. SCOPE
This program applies to all students, faculty, staff and contractors who perform work on electrical circuits and
equipment operating at voltages 50 volts and above at Penn. Voltage below this is permitted to be worked on
“live” if there will be no increased exposure to electrical burns or to explosion due to electric arcs.
3. DEFINITIONS
Approved – Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).
Authorized Lockout/Tagout Employee - A person who has completed the required hazardous energy control
training and is authorized to lock or tag out a specific machine or equipment to perform service or maintenance.
Arc Flash Hazard – A source of possible injury or damage to health associated with the release of energy caused
by an electric arc.
Arc Flash Risk Assessment – An overall process that identifies hazards, estimates the likelihood of injury or
damage to health, estimates the potential severity of injury or damage to health, and determines if protective
measures are required.
Arc Rating – The value attributed to materials that describes their performance to exposure to an electrical arc
discharge. The arc rating is expressed in cal/cm2 and is derived from the determined value of the arc thermal
performance value (ATPV) or energy of breakopen threshold (EBT) (should a material system exhibit a breakopen
response below the ATPV value). Arc rating is reported as either ATPV or EBT, whichever is the lower value.

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Arc Thermal Performance Value (ATPV) - The highest incident energy which did not cause a fire resistant
fabric to break open and did not exceed the second degree burn criteria.
Boundary, Arc Flash – When an arc flash hazard exists, an approach limit from an arc source at which incident
energy equals 1.2 cal/cm2 (5 J/cm2).
Boundary, Electrical Safety – The minimum distance Qualified Persons shall keep unqualified persons away.
This boundary encompasses the Arc Flash Boundary for arc flash protection and the Limited Approach Boundary
for shock protection.
Boundary, Limited Approach – An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical conductor
or circuit part within which a shock hazard exists. This is the closest distance an Unqualified Person can approach
and can be crossed only by Qualified Persons. Crossing this boundary is considered “working near energized
parts”.
Boundary, Restricted Approach – An approach limit at a distance from an exposed energized electrical
conductor or circuit part within which there is an increased likelihood of electric shock, due to electrical arc-over
combined with inadvertent movement.
Barricade - A physical obstruction such as tapes, cones or A-frame-type wood or metal structures intended to
provide a warning and to limit access.
Barrier – A physical obstruction that is intended to prevent contact with equipment or energized electrical
conductors and circuit parts or to prevent unauthorized access to a work area.
Competent Person – A person who meets all the requirements of Qualified Person and who in addition, is
responsible for all work activities or safety procedures related to custom or special equipment and has detailed
knowledge regarding the exposure to electrical hazards, the appropriate control methods to reduce the risk
associated with those hazards, and the implementation of those methods.
De-energized – Free from any electrical connection to a source of potential difference and from electrical charge;
not having a potential different from that of the earth.
Device – A unit of an electrical system, other than a conductor, that carries or controls electrical energy as its
principal function.
Disconnecting Means - A device, or group of devices, or other means by which the conductors of a circuit can be
disconnected from their source of supply.
Disconnection (or Isolating) Switch (Disconnector, Isolator) – A mechanical switching device used for
isolating a circuit or equipment from a source of power.
Electrical Hazard – A dangerous condition such that contact or equipment failure can result in electric shock, arc
flash burn, thermal burn, or arc blast injury.

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Electrical Safety – Identifying hazards associated with the use of electrical energy and taking precautions to
reduce the risk associated with those hazards.
Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) – The authority having jurisdiction for custom built or modified electrical
equipment used in teaching and research laboratories. EHRS shall serve as the ESA at Penn and assist the
laboratories through the Field Evaluation process that is required to help insure that the equipment is safe for use.
Electrically Safe Work Condition – A state in which an electrical conductor or circuit part has been
disconnected from energized parts, locked/tagged in accordance with established standards, tested to verify the
absence of voltage and, if necessary, temporarily grounded for personnel protection.
Enclosed – Surrounded by a case, housing, fence or wall(s) that prevents persons from unintentionally contacting
energized parts.
Enclosure – The case or housing of apparatus - or fence or walls surrounding an installation to prevent personnel
from unintentionally contacting energized electrical conductors or circuit parts or to protect the equipment from
physical damage.
Energized – Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.
Equipment – A general term, including fittings, devices, appliances, luminaires, apparatus, machinery, and the
like, used as part of, or in connection with, an electrical installation.
Exposed (as applied to energized electrical conductors or circuit parts) – Capable of being inadvertently
touched or approached nearer than a safe distance by a person. It is applied to electrical conductors or circuit parts
that are not suitably guarded, isolated, or insulated.
Field Evaluated – A thorough evaluation of non-listed, non-labeled, modified or custom built electrical
equipment in the field that is performed by persons or parties acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction. The
evaluation approval ensures that the equipment meets appropriate codes and standards, or is similarly found
suitable for a specified purpose.
Grounded (Grounding) – Connected (connecting) to ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground
connection.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) - A device intended for the protection of personnel that functions to
de-energize a circuit or portion thereof within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds the
values established for a Class A device. Note: Class A GFCI trip when the current to ground is 6 mA or higher
and do not trip when the current to ground is less than 4mA.
Grounding Conductor, Equipment (EGC) – The conductive path(s) that provides a ground-fault current path
and connects normally non-current-carrying metal parts of equipment together and to the system grounded
conductor or to the grounding electrode conductor, or both.
Grounding Electrode (Conductor) – A conductor used to connect the system grounded conductor or the
equipment to a grounding electrode or to a point on the grounding electrode system.

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Guarded – Covered, shielded, fenced, enclosed, or otherwise protected by means of suitable covers, casings,
barriers, rails, screens, mats or platforms to remove the likelihood of approach or contact by persons or objects to
a point of danger.
Hazard – A source of possible injury or damage to health.
Hazardous – Involving exposure to at least one hazard.
Interlock – An electrical, mechanical, or key-locked device intended to prevent an undesired sequence of

operations.
Incident Energy – The amount of thermal energy impressed on a surface, based on a certain distance from the
source, generated during an electrical arc event. Incident energy is typically expressed in calories per square
centimeter (cal/cm2).
Incident Energy Analysis – A component of an arc flash risk assessment used to predict the incident energy of
an arc flash for a specified set of conditions.
Interrupting Rating – The highest current at rated voltage that a device is identified to interrupt under standard
test conditions.
Insulated – Separated from other conducting surfaces by a dielectric (including air space) offering a high
resistance to the passage of current.
Laboratory – A building, space, room, or group of rooms intended to serve activities involving procedures for
investigation, diagnostic, product testing, or use of custom or special electrical components, systems, or
equipment.
Labeled – Equipment or materials to which has been attached a label, symbol, or other identifying mark of an
organization that is acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction and concerned with product evaluation, that
maintains periodic inspection of production of labeled equipment or materials, and by whose labeling the
manufacturer indicates compliance with appropriate standards or performance in a specified manner.
Listed – Equipment, materials or services included in a list published by an organization that is acceptable to the
authority having jurisdiction and concerned with evaluation of products or services, that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or materials or periodic evaluation of services, and whose listing
states that either the equipment, material, or service meets appropriate designated standards or has been tested and
found suitable for a specified purpose.
Maintenance, Condition of - The state of the electrical equipment considering the manufacturers’ instructions,
manufacturers’ recommendations, and applicable industry codes, standards, and recommended practices.
Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory (NRTL) - An OSHA designation given to third party testing
facilities that provide product safety testing and certification services to manufacturers. Please review the OSHA
NRTL web page for an inclusive list of NRTLs.

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Qualified Person – One who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of
electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to identify the hazards and avoid the
associated risk.
Risk Assessment – An overall process that identifies hazards, estimates the likelihood of occurrence of injury or
damage to health, estimates the potential severity of injury or damage to health, and determines if protective
measures are required. As used in this program, the two types of electrical hazard risk assessments identified are
arc flash risk assessment and shock risk assessment.
Shock Hazard – A source of possible injury or damage to health associated with current through the body caused
by contact or approach to energized electrical conductors or circuit parts.
Shock Hazard Risk Assessment – An evaluation investigating a person’s potential exposure to energized parts
or circuits, conducted for the purpose of injury prevention and the determination of safe work practices and the
appropriate levels of personal protective equipment.
Unqualified Person – A person who is not a Qualified Person.
Working Distance – The distance between a person’s face and chest area and a prospective arc source.
Working On (energized electrical conductors or circuit parts) – Intentionally coming in contact with
energized electrical conductors or circuit parts with the hands, feet or other body parts, with tools, probes, or with
test equipment, regardless of the personal protective equipment (PPE) a person is wearing. There are two
categories of “working on”: Diagnostic (testing) is taking readings or measurements of electrical equipment with
approved test equipment; repair is any physical alteration of electrical equipment (such as making or tightening
connections, removing or replacing components, etc.)
4. RESPONSIBILITIES
A) Executive Director of EHRS and Designees:
The Executive Director of Environmental Health and Radiation Safety (EHRS) is responsible for the
development, implementation, coordination of training, and administration of the Electrical Safety Program.
B) Supervisors, Faculty & Lead Personnel:
1) Ensure only Qualified Persons work on exposed energized electrical parts and/or equipment.
2) Create standard operating procedures for electrical tasks.
3) Conduct arc flash and shock hazard risk assessments.
4) Conduct Job Briefings prior to hazardous tasks.

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5) Ensure employees have and use the proper safety equipment for the job (personal protective equipment,
barriers, barricades, tapes, cones, etc.).
6) Ensure all new electrical installations installed by Penn employees meet applicable codes and standards.
C) Students, Employees & Qualified Persons:
1) Understand the hazards and operation of the equipment being interacted with.
2) Be familiar with procedures for evaluating how the task will be performed, including the use of standard
operating procedures, and all options for performing the task using the preferred method while circuits are
de-energized.
3) Trained on and understand the proper use of test instruments.
4) Have the skills and techniques necessary to determine nominal voltages of exposed energized parts.
5) Understand the procedures for establishing an electrically safe work condition.
6) Have the skills and techniques necessary to distinguish energized parts from other electrical parts.
7) Maintain safe clearance distances from exposed live electrical parts.
8) Use and properly maintain the required personal protective equipment for the task.
9) Report unsafe conditions or electrical deficiencies immediately to appropriate faculty or supervisors.
Unqualified Persons must always remain outside the electrical safety boundary when working in the
vicinity of exposed energized electrical equipment.
D) Penn as the Host Employer
1) Penn shall inform contract employers, and in the case of multi-employer job sites, the General Contractor
(GC), of the following:
a) Known hazards that are covered by Penn’s Electrical Safety Program related to the contract
employer’s work; and that might not be recognized by the contract employer or its employees.
b) Information about Penn’s installation that the contract employer needs in order to make the required
assessments.
2) Penn shall report observed hazardous conditions or unsafe work practices of contract employer employees
to the contract employer or the GC.
E) Outside Contractors
1) The contract employer shall ensure that each of his or her employees is instructed in the hazards
communicated to the contract employer by Penn.

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2) The contract employer shall ensure that each of his or her employees follows the work practices required
under Penn’s safety-related work rules.
3) The contract employer shall follow Penn’s Facilities and Real Estate Services Design Standards for
building components and systems for renovation and new construction projects. With respect to electrical
safety, Division 01 General and Division 26 Electrical are particularly relevant.
4) Must maintain required documentation including permit-required confined space, hot work,
documentation of job briefings and energized electrical work permits.
5) Shall not perform any work on energized electrical equipment without prior notification and
approval from Penn’s Office of Environmental Health & Radiation Safety (EHRS).
6) Must supply a site-specific safety plan to the Penn project manager or the Penn representative who is
coordinating the project.
7) The contract employer/GC shall advise Penn of the following:

a) Any unique hazards presented by the contract employer’s work.
b) Hazards identified during the course of work by the contract employer that were not communicated
by Penn.
c) The measures taken by the contract employer/GC to correct any unsafe work practices or other
hazardous conditions raised by Penn.
5. HAZARD CONTROL
A) Hazard Elimination
1) Hazard elimination shall be the first priority in the implementation of safety-related work
practices. Once a hazard has been identified, it should be determined if the hazard can be
eliminated. During the electrical system design stage, methods should be employed to eliminate
hazards in their entirety.
B) Engineering Controls
1) All electrical distribution panels, breakers, disconnects, switches, junction boxes, etc. shall be completely
enclosed.
2) A watertight enclosure shall be used where there is the possibility of moisture entry either from operations
or weather exposure.
3) Electrical distribution areas will be guarded against accidental damage by locating in specifically
designed rooms, use of substantial guard posts and rails and other structural means.

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4) Electrical distribution rooms, vaults and spaces shall be so enclosed within fences, screens, partitions, or
walls as to minimize the possibility that Unqualified Persons will enter.
5) Entrances to electrical distribution rooms, vaults and spaces that are not under the observation of an
attendant shall be kept locked.
6) Sufficient access and working space shall be provided and maintained around electrical equipment to
permit ready and safe operation and maintenance of such equipment. A clear approach and 3-feet of side
clearance shall be maintained for all distribution panels.
7) All conduit shall be fully supported throughout its length. Non-electrical attachments to conduit are
prohibited.
8) All non-rigid cords shall be provided strain relief where necessary.
C) Administrative Controls
1) Signs warning Unqualified Persons to keep out of electrical distribution rooms, vaults and spaces shall be
displayed at entrances.
2) Unqualified Persons may not enter electrical distribution rooms, vaults and spaces where there are
energized, exposed electrical conductors or circuit parts.
3) Access to electrical distribution rooms, vaults and spaces is limited to those employees who have a need
to enter.
4) Only Qualified Persons shall conduct diagnostics and repairs to electrical equipment.
5) Contractors performing electrical work must hold a license for the work.
6) Areas under new installation or repair will be sufficiently guarded with physical barriers and warning
signs to prevent unauthorized entry.
7) All electrical control devices shall be properly labeled.
8) All Qualified Persons shall follow established electrical safety and standard operating procedures.
9) Conductive articles of jewelry and clothing (such a watch bands, bracelets, rings, key rings, necklaces,
metalized aprons, cloth with conductive thread, or metal headgear) may not be worn if they might contact
exposed energized parts. Articles may be worn if they are rendered nonconductive by covering, wrapping,
or other insulating means.

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6. RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE
The intent of this procedure is to perform a risk assessment, which includes a review of the electrical hazards, the
associated foreseeable tasks, and the protective measures that are required in order to maintain a tolerable level of
risk. This includes the following before work is started:
1) Identify the electrical hazards.
2) Assess the risk by identifying and analyzing the tasks to be performed.
3) Implement risk control by determining the appropriate protective measures.
See Appendix 1 for sample risk assessment procedures.
7. ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT)
A) Working On or Near Electrical Equipment (De-energizing Equipment)
1) Energized parts to which one might be exposed, shall be put into an electrically safe work condition
before working on or near them, unless work on energized components can be justified.
2) If equipment is de-energized but not locked and tagged out AND not tested/verified, then it must be
considered energized.
3) Only properly Qualified Persons shall use test equipment to test circuit elements and current carrying
parts to verify all circuits and parts are de-energized. Testing shall also determine if any energized
conditions exist as a result of induced voltage or unrelated voltage backfeed.
B) Verification of an Electrically Safe Work Condition (Lockout/Tagout)
The procedure to be followed by the Qualified Person working on the circuits is as follows (Utilize the
appropriate personal protective equipment and proper voltage-rated tools for these steps):
1) Determine all possible sources of electrical supply to the specific equipment. Check applicable up-to-date
drawings, diagrams, and identification tags.
2) After properly interrupting (de-energizing) the load current, open the disconnecting devices for each
source.
3) Whenever possible, visually verify that all blades of the disconnecting devices are fully open or that
drawout-type circuit breakers are withdrawn to the fully disconnected position.
4) Release stored electrical energy.
5) Release or block stored mechanical energy.

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6) Apply lockout/tagout devices in accordance with Penn’s Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)
Program.
7) Verification - Use an appropriately rated and calibrated portable test instrument to test each phase
conductor or circuit part to verify it is de-energized. Test each phase conductor or circuit part both phase-
to-phase and phase-to-ground. Before and after each test, determine that the test instrument is operating
satisfactorily through verification on a known voltage source.
Where the possibility of induced voltages or stored electrical energy exists, ground the phase conductors
or circuit parts before touching them. Where it could be reasonably anticipated that the conductors or
circuit parts being de-energized could contact other exposed energized conductors or circuit parts, apply
temporary protective grounding equipment in accordance with the following:
a) Placement – Temporary protective grounding equipment shall be placed at such locations and
arranged in such a manner as to prevent each employee from being exposed to a shock hazard (i.e.,
hazardous differences in electrical potential). The location, sizing, and application of temporary
protective grounding equipment shall be identified as part of the job planning.
b) Capacity – Temporary protective grounding equipment shall be capable of conducting the maximum
fault current that could flow at the point of grounding for the time necessary to clear the fault.
c) Impedance – Temporary protective grounding equipment and connections shall have an impedance
low enough to cause immediate operation of protective devices in case of unintentional energizing of
the electric conductors or circuit parts.
C) Process of Reenergizing Equipment
In addition to the requirements of Penn’s Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Program, the
following requirements must be met, in the order given, before circuits or equipment are re-energized, even
temporarily:
1) A Qualified Person must conduct tests and visual inspections as necessary to verify that all tools,
electrical jumpers, shorts, grounds and other such devices have been removed so that circuits and
equipment can be safely energized; and,
2) Anyone potentially exposed to the hazards of re-energizing the circuit must be warned to stay clear; and,
3) Each person removes his or her lock(s) and tag(s).
8. WORK ON EXPOSED ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (PERMIT REQUIRED)
Penn’s goal is to perform electrical work after energized electrical conductors and circuit parts are placed
into an electrically safe work condition.
Safe work practices shall be used to safeguard individuals from injury while they are exposed to electrical hazards
from electrical conductors or circuit parts that are or can become energized. The specific safety-related work
practices shall be consistent with the electrical hazards and the associated risk. Appropriate safe work practices

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shall be determined before any person is exposed to the electrical hazards involved by conducting risk
assessments to identify arc flash and shock hazards. Only Qualified Persons shall be permitted to work on
electrical conductors or circuit parts that have not been put into an electrically safe work condition.
This section is intended to establish the minimum requirements and performance expectations for all Qualified
Persons.
All Penn students, faculty and staff shall comply with procedures outlined and where necessary, shall supplement
requirements as needed to minimize risks and exposure to hazards.
A) Working on Energized Parts – Energized Electrical Work
1) Justification to work on energized equipment.

a) Examples of Additional Hazards or Increased Risk:
(i) Interruption of life support equipment.
(ii) Deactivation of emergency alarm systems.
(iii) Shutdown of hazardous location ventilation equipment.
b) Examples of infeasibility due to equipment design or operational limitation:
(i) Diagnostics and testing/troubleshooting that can only be successfully performed with circuit
energized.
(ii) Work on circuits that form an integral part of a continuous process that would otherwise need to
be completely shut down in order to permit work on one circuit or piece of equipment.
c) Normal Operation – Normal operation of electric equipment shall be permitted where all of the
following conditions are satisfied:
(i) The equipment is properly installed.
(ii) The equipment is properly maintained.
(iii) The equipment is used in accordance with instructions included in the NRTL listing and labeling
and in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
(iv) All equipment doors are closed and secured.
(v) All equipment covers are in place and secured.
(vi) There is no evidence of impending failure.
B) Energized Electrical Work Permit (See Appendix 3)
1) When Required – When energized work is performed as permitted in accordance with the criteria listed
above, an energized electrical work permit shall be required and documented under the following
conditions:
a) When energized electrical work will be performed within the restricted approach boundary.
b) When the employee may interact with the equipment when conductors or circuit parts are not exposed
but an increased likelihood of injury from an exposure to an arc flash hazard exists.
The work permit shall include the following items:
1) A description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and the location.

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2) Description of the work to be performed.
3) Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized condition.
4) The voltage to which personnel will be exposed.
5) Available incident energy at the working distance or arc flash PPE category.
6) Determination of shock and arc flash protection boundaries.
7) The necessary PPE required to safely perform the assigned task.
8) A description of the safe work practices to be used.
9) Means used to restrict the access of Unqualified Persons from the work area. Typically, this will consist
of demarcating the electrical safety boundary by the use of Energized Area Signs and/or Caution
Energized Area Tape.
10) Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any job specific hazards. (See
Appendix 4).
11) Energized work approval signatures.
C) Exemptions to Work Permit
1) Work performed on energized parts by properly Qualified Persons related to tasks such as testing,
troubleshooting, voltage measuring, removal of a panel to observe live equipment, etc. shall be permitted
to be performed without an energized electrical work permit, provided appropriate training, safe work
practices, and personal protective equipment is provided and used. While a formal permit is not required,
the expectation is that the Qualified Person will perform the electrical tasks following all of the safe work
practices detailed above.
Examples:
a) Thermography, ultrasound and visual inspection up to restricted approach boundary.
b) Access/egress with no electrical work up to restricted approach boundary.
c) General housekeeping and miscellaneous non-electrical tasks up to restricted approach boundary.
D) Job Safety Planning and Job Briefing
Before starting each job that involves exposure to electrical hazards, the person in charge shall complete a job
safety plan and conduct a job briefing with the employees involved.
1) Job Safety Planning - The job safety plan shall be in accordance with the following:
a) Be completed by a qualified person.
b) Be documented.
c) Include the following information:

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i) A description of the job and the individual tasks.

ii) Identification of the electrical hazards associated with each task.
iii) A shock risk assessment for tasks involving a shock hazard.
iv) An arc flash risk assessment for tasks involving an arc flash hazard.
v) Work procedures involved, special precautions, and energy source controls.
2) Job Briefings
The job briefing shall cover the job safety plan and the information on the energized electrical work permit.
Documentation of the briefing shall be maintained on the checklist included in Appendix 4.
a) The person in charge shall conduct a Job Briefing and it shall cover the following subjects:
(i) Hazards associated with the work.
(ii) Work procedures involved.
(iii) Special precautions.
(iv) Energy source controls.
(v) Personal protective equipment requirements.
(vi) What to do/whom to contact in an emergency.
b) Number of Briefings: If the work or operations to be performed during the workday or shift are
repetitive and similar, at least one job briefing shall be conducted before the start of the first job or
shift. Additional job briefings shall be held if significant changes, which might affect the safety of the
individuals involved, occur during the course of the work.
c) Extent of Briefings: A brief discussion shall be satisfactory if the work involved is routine and if the
individuals involved, by virtue of training and experience, can reasonably be expected to recognize
and avoid the hazards involved in the job. A more extensive discussion shall be conducted if:
(i) The work is complicated or particularly hazardous.
(ii) The persons involved cannot be expected to recognize and avoid the hazards involved in the job.
E) Recordkeeping
Records including Energized Electrical Work Permits and associated supporting documents such as the risk
assessments and completed Job Planning and Briefing checklist and any safety audit documentation shall be
maintained by the group responsible for the work/audit for a period of at least one year for the purpose of
program auditing.
F) Observers
1) During the time that work is being performed on any exposed conductors or exposed parts of equipment
connected to energized systems, a Qualified Person must be in close proximity at each work location to:
a) Act primarily as an observer for the purpose of preventing an accident.
b) Render immediate assistance in the event of an accident.
c) Ensure that Safe Work Practices (see Appendix 6) are followed while performing energized electrical
work.

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9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) & TOOLS
This section outlines the minimum requirements for PPE selection, application, training and maintenance. The
PPE selection process is based on potential and existing job hazards, risks, tasks and procedures. Once a risk
assessment has been performed and documented, the individual at risk shall take the necessary steps to minimize
or eliminate the risks and shall select, apply and utilize the necessary personal protective equipment for the task(s)
to help prevent injury from shock, arc flash and other hazards.
A) Shock Protection – individuals performing the task shall conduct and document a Shock Hazard Risk
Assessment and shall select and utilize the appropriate PPE and voltage-rated tools. Crossing the Restricted
Approach Boundary requires PPE.
Effects of Electricity on the Human Body.
The severity of injury from electrical shock depends on the amount of electrical current and the length of time the
current passes through the body. Variables including wet or broken skin and creating a pathway for electricity to
flow through the chest can increase the severity of effects from a given current. It is important to be aware of how
little current can lead to shock hazards to personnel.
1) Effects of Electric Current in the human body:

a) At 1 milliampere, a faint tingle is perceptible.
b) At 5 milliamperes, slight shock felt. May cause a strong involuntary reaction that can lead to other
injuries.
c) 6 - 30 milliamperes, painful shock and loss of muscular control. A person may not be able to
voluntarily let go of the energized electrical conductor or circuit part.
d) 50 - 150 milliamperes, extreme pain and respiratory arrest likely. Severe muscular contractions.
Death is possible.
e) 1 - 4.3 amperes, rhythmic pumping action of the heart ceases. Muscular contraction and nerve
damage occur. Death is likely.
f) 10 amperes - cardiac arrest and severe burns occur. Death is probable.
g) 15 amperes - the lowest overcurrent at which a typical fuse or circuit breaker opens a circuit.
2) Rubber Insulated Gloves - Rubber insulated gloves which are rated for the highest phase to phase or
phase to ground (whichever requires higher voltage class glove) voltage shall be worn where there is
danger of injury from electric shock (due to contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts).
Where insulating rubber gloves are used for shock protection, leather protectors shall be worn over the
rubber gloves.
Hand and arm protection shall be worn where there is possible exposure to arc flash burn. Heavy-duty leather
gloves shall be used for arc flash hazard protection. Where a shock hazard exists, rubber-insulated gloves (with
the appropriate voltage rating /class) along with heavy-duty leather protectors are mandatory for working on
energized equipment.

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Penn students, faculty and staff who work with electrical equipment will be issued a pair of insulated gloves for
work. These gloves must be tested every six months. Rubber gloves shall be evaluated for leaks before each use.
Heavy-duty protective leather gloves (protectors) shall be worn over the rubber-insulated gloves for work. Any
insert or cover showing defects should be replaced and destroyed immediately.
Rubber Insulated Glove Categories:
Class & Glove Tag Color Maximum AC Voltage Maximum DC Voltage

Class 00 – Beige (Beige) 500 volts 750 volts
Class 0 - Red 1,000 volts 1,500 volts
Class 1 - White 7,500 volts 11,250 volts
Class 2 – Yellow (Yellow) 17,000 volts 25,500 volts
Class 3 - Green 26,500 volts 39,750 volts
Class 4 - Orange 36,000 volts 54,000 volts
3) Testing of Rubber Gloves - Rubber gloves and sleeves shall be maintained as per the current ASTM F496
Standard Specification for In-Service Care of Insulating Gloves and Sleeves and shall be electrically
tested at least once every six months after they are checked out for use, and complete records shall be kept
of all such tests and date of issue. Rubber gloves not checked out for use within twelve months shall be
retested before being issued.
B) Arc Flash Risk Assessment
1) An arc flash risk assessment shall be performed and shall:

a) Provide safety-related work practices.
b) Define the arc flash boundary.
c) Specify the PPE to be used within the arc flash boundary.
d) Be updated when a major modification or renovation takes place. It shall be reviewed periodically, at
intervals not to exceed 5 years, to account for changes in the electrical distribution system that could
affect the results of the arc flash risk assessment.
e) Take into consideration the characteristics of the overcurrent protective device and its fault clearing
time, including its condition of maintenance.
2) The results of the arc flash risk assessment shall be documented on the Energized Electrical Work Permit.
C) Arc Flash Boundary
1) The arc flash boundary shall be the distance at which the incident energy equals 1.2 cal/cm2.
2) The arc flash boundary shall be determined by use of the table in Appendix 10 or as defined by an
Incident Energy Analysis.
D) Arc Flash PPE
One of the following methods shall be used for the selection of PPE. Either, but not both, methods shall be
permitted to be used on the same piece of equipment.

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1) Incident Energy Analysis Method – The incident energy exposure level shall be based on the working
distance of the employee’s face and chest areas from a prospective arc source for the specific task to be
performed. Arc-rated clothing and other PPE shall be used by the employee based on the incident energy
exposure associated with the specific task. Recognizing that incident energy increases as the distance
from the arc flash decreases, additional PPE shall be used for any parts of the body that are closer than the
working distance at which the incident energy was determined. Some electrical equipment that has had an
incident energy analysis completed will have a label that lists the incident energy and shock protection
information. An example label is shown in Appendix 5. Specific label design requirements are described
in Penn’s Facilities & Real Estate Services Design Standards – Division 26 Section 260553 – Electrical
Identification.
a) Selection of arc-rated clothing and other PPE when the Incident Energy Analysis Method is used:
(i) Incident energy exposures equal to 1.2 cal/cm2 up to 12 cal/cm2:

• Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energy.
• Long-sleeve shirt and pants or coverall or arc flash suit.
• Arc-rated face shield and arc-rated balaclava or arc flash suit hood.
• Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) as needed.
• Heavy-duty leather gloves, arc-rated gloves, or rubber insulting gloves with leather
protectors.
• Class E or G hard hat.
• Safety glasses or safety goggles.
• Hearing protection.
• Leather footwear.
(ii) Incident energy exposures greater than 12 cal/cm2:

• Arc-rated clothing with an arc rating equal to or greater than the estimated incident energy
• Long-sleeve shirt and pants or coverall or arc flash suit.
• Arc-rated arc flash suit hood.
• Arc-rated outerwear (e.g., jacket, parka, rainwear, hard hat liner) as needed.
• Heavy-duty leather gloves, arc-rated gloves, or rubber insulting gloves with leather
protectors.
• Class E or G hard hat.
• Safety glasses or safety goggles.
• Hearing protection.
• Leather footwear.
2) Arc Flash PPE Categories Method – If the equipment does not have an incident energy analysis label
defining the Hazard Risk Category (HRC)/Arc Flash PPE Category, or list the calculated incident energy,
the requirement for PPE and the appropriate arc flash PPE category required for the task may be
determined from consulting Appendices 9 and 10 of this program along with a thorough risk assessment.
If the equipment parameters defined in Appendices 9 and 10 do not match the equipment exactly,
additional risk assessment must be conducted by a Qualified Person to determine the appropriate PPE

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category. Once the category is determined, personal protective equipment shall be selected from the
appropriate HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category listed below. (Also exhibited in Appendix 11).
Note: Appendix 11 and the Hazard Risk Categories/Arc Flash PPE Categories listed directly below only
account for equipment where the maximum anticipated exposure level is 40 cal/cm2. Penn employees shall
not work on energized equipment where the maximum anticipated exposure level exceeds 40 cal/cm2
(typically referred to as “Dangerous” by an Incident Energy Analysis/label).
a) Hazard Risk Category (HRC)/Arc Flash PPE Categories:
(i) HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 1: Minimum Arc Rating of 4 cal/cm2 (16.75 J/cm2)
Clothing - Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or arc-rated coverall, arc-rated face shield or arc flash
suit hood, arc-rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection (ear canal inserts),
voltage-rated rubber gloves with heavy duty leather gloves, leather footwear.
(ii) HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 2: Minimum Arc Rating of 8 cal/cm2 (33.5 J/cm2)
Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or arc-rated coverall, arc-rated face shield or arc
flash suit hood, arc-rated balaclava, arc-rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
voltage-rated rubber gloves with heavy duty leather gloves, leather footwear.
(iii) HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 3: Minimum Arc Rating of 25 cal/cm2 (104.7 J/cm2)
Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, arc-rated pants, arc-rated coverall, arc-rated arc flash suit
jacket, arc-rated flash suit pants, arc-rated arc flash suit hood, arc-rated gloves, arc-rated jacket,
parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection, (ear canal inserts),
leather footwear.
(iv) HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 4 Minimum Arc Rating of 40 cal/cm2 (167.5 J/cm2)
Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, arc-rated pants, arc-rated coverall, arc-rated arc flash suit
jacket, arc-rated lash suit pants, arc-rated arc flash suit hood, arc-rated gloves, arc-rated jacket, parka,
rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
leather footwear.
3) Layering – Nonmelting, flammable fiber garments shall be permitted to be used as underlayers in

conjunction with arc-rated garments in a layered system. If nonmelting, flammable fiber garments are
used as underlayers, the system arc rating shall be sufficient to prevent breakopen of the innermost arc-
rated layer at the expected arc exposure incident energy level to prevent ignition of flammable
underlayers. Garments that are not arc-rated shall not be permitted to be used to increase the arc rating of
a garment or of a clothing system. Meltable fibers such as acetate, nylon, polyester, polypropylene, and
spandex shall NOT be permitted in clothing or in fabric under layers (underwear) next to the skin. Note –
A typical layering system might include cotton underwear, a cotton shirt and trouser, and an arc-rated
coverall. Specific tasks might call for additional arc-rated layers to achieve the require protection level.
4) Leather and/or Insulated Work Shoes/Boots – Foot protection of heavy-duty leather, work shoes/boots
shall be worn for all tasks where incident energy exposure exceeds 4 cal/cm2. Toe guards and structural

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components shall be constructed of Structurally Engineered Moldable Composite (SEMC) Certified

materials. Steel toe and component shoes are not allowed.
5) Insulating Blankets & Mats – Rubber insulating blankets and mats can be used to help protect the
worker against shock hazards and to help limit accidental contact with energized electrical conductors,
circuit parts or surfaces. Insulating blankets and mats shall be rated for the applicable phase-to-phase
voltage. Blankets and mats shall be inspected before each use and shall be electrically tested before first
use and at least once every twelve months after they are checked out for use. Complete records shall be
kept of all such tests and date of issue. Insulating blankets and mats not checked out for use within twelve
months shall be retested before being issued.
6) Arc Suppression Blankets – Arc suppression blankets can be used to help limit the exposure to a
potential arc flash. Arc suppression blankets DO NOT provide for shock protection and are intended to
help limit the exposure to arc flash. The blankets shall be rated for the potential energy to which they may
be exposed.
7) Arc-Rated Jacket, Parka, or Rainwear - Arc-rated jackets, parkas, and/or rainwear appropriate for the
potential hazard/risk category and incident energy level shall be provided to Qualified Persons performing
work on or near energized electrical conductors or circuit parts where the worker may be exposed to rain
or wet environments.
8) PPE Care and Inspection – PPE shall be maintained in a safe, clean and reliable condition. PPE shall be
inspected before each use. Should the PPE be out of certified date range (i.e. rubber insulating glove
testing requirements), worn out, damaged, impaired or unsuitable for use or application, the worker has
the responsibility to not use the PPE, tag the PPE with their name, a description of the problem and the
date of the inspection and notify their Supervisor. Work clothing or flash suits that are contaminated, or
damaged to the extent their protective qualities are impaired, shall not be used.
Arc-rated apparel shall be stored in a manner that prevents physical damage; damage from moisture, dust,
or other deteriorating agents; or contamination from flammable or combustible materials.
The garment manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance of arc-rated apparel shall be followed.
10. ELECTRICAL INSTALLATION REQUIREMENTS
A) Electrical installation work shall comply with Penn’s Design Standards for building components and systems
for renovation and new construction work.
B) Labeling/Signage
1) Doors into electrical control panel/equipment rooms/vaults shall be conspicuously marked with a plainly
visible and legible sign stating “DANGER – HIGH VOLTAGE – AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY”
or similar. Electrical safety signage should meet ANSI Z535 design standards.

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2) Electrical equipment such as switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, meter socket enclosures
and motor control centers that are in other than dwelling units and that are likely to require examination,
adjustment or servicing, or maintenance while energized shall be marked with labels containing the
following information:
a) Nominal system voltage.
b) Maximum available fault current. This must be amended as required to reflect modifications or
changes to the installation over time.
c) Listing of who performed fault current calculations and date performed.
d) Available incident energy and the corresponding working distance, or the arc flash PPE category for
the equipment but not both. Penn prefers to have the available incident energy and corresponding
working distance information on labels.
e) Listing of who performed the incident energy analysis and date performed.
f) Arc flash boundary value.
g) Shock protection limited and restricted approach boundary values.
C) Identification of Disconnecting Means and Circuits
1) Each disconnecting means for motors and appliances shall be legibly marked to indicate its purpose. The
label or marking should be located at the point where the circuit originates. For example, on a panel that
controls several motors or on a motor control center, each disconnect must be clearly marked to indicate
the motor to which each circuit is connected.
2) Each service, feeder, and branch circuit, at its disconnecting means or overcurrent device, shall be legibly
marked to indicate its purpose.
3) All labels and markings must be durable enough to withstand weather, chemicals, heat, corrosion, or any
other environment to which they may be exposed.
D) Working Distances
Working space for equipment likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while
energized shall comply with the dimensions prescribed by National Electrical Code (NFPA 70): Section
110.26 (< 600 volts) or Section 110.32 (>600 volts) that is in effect per building code at the time of
installation.
E) General Wiring Design and Protection
New electrical wiring, and the modification, extension or replacement of existing wiring must conform to the
requirements of the National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) that is in effect at the time of installation per local
building code and applicable ASTM, NEMA and OSHA standards and shall be UL listed for the application.
F) Examination
1) Electrical equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to employees.

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2) Safety of equipment shall be determined using the following considerations:

a) Suitability for installation and use.
b) Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by NRTL listing or labeling for
that identified purpose.
c) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other
equipment, the adequacy of the protection thus provided.
d) Electrical insulation.
e) Heating effects under conditions of use.
f) Arcing effects.
g) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific use.
h) Other factors which contribute to the practical safeguarding of employees using or likely to come in
contact with the equipment.
G) Requirements for Temporary Wiring and Flexible Cords
Temporary electrical power and lighting installations 600 volts or less, including flexible cords, cables and
extension cords, may only be used during and for renovation, maintenance, repair, or experimental work. The
following additional requirements apply:
1) Ground-fault protection (e.g., ground-fault circuit interrupters or GFCI) must be provided on all
temporary-wiring circuits, including extension cords, cord and plug-connected tools used for construction
and maintenance activities or used outdoors or in potentially damp or wet locations supplied by 125-volt,
15, 20 or 30-ampere circuits. GFCI protection devices shall be tested in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
2) In general, all equipment and tools connected by cord and plug must be grounded. NRTL listed or labeled
double-insulated tools and appliances need not be grounded.
3) Feeders must originate in an approved distribution center, such as a panelboard, that is rated for the
voltages and currents the system is expected to carry.
4) Branch circuits must originate in an approved power outlet or panelboard.
5) Neither bare conductors nor earth returns may be used for the wiring of any temporary circuit.
6) Receptacles must be of the ground fault-grounding type. Unless installed in a complete metallic raceway,
each branch circuit must contain a separate equipment-grounding conductor, and all receptacles must be
electrically connected to the grounding conductor.
7) Suitable disconnecting switches or plug connects must be installed to permit the disconnection of all
ungrounded conductors of each temporary circuit.
8) Lamps for general illumination must be protected from accidental contact or damage, either by elevating
the fixture eight feet or more above the floor or work surface or by providing a suitable guard. Handlamps
supplied by flexible cord must be equipped with a handle of molded composition or other approved
material and must be equipped with a substantial bulb guard.

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9) Flexible cords and cables must be of an approved type and suitable for the location and intended use.
They may only be used for pendants, wiring of fixtures, connection of portable lamps or appliances,
elevators, hoists, connection of stationary equipment where frequently interchanged, prevention of
transmission of noise or vibration, data processing cables, or where needed to permit maintenance or
repair. Flexible electric cords may not be utilized for raising or lowering equipment. They may not be
used as a substitute for fixed wiring, where run through holes in walls, ceilings or floors, where run
through doorways, windows or similar openings, where attached to building surfaces, or concealed behind
building walls, ceilings or floors.
10) Flexible cords and cables must be protected from accidental damage. Sharp corners and projections are to
be avoided. Flexible cords and cables must be protected from damage when they pass through doorways
or other pinch points.
11) Flexible cords must be connected directly to a receptacle. They may not be connected in series or in
conjunction with relocatable power taps (power strips).
12) Extension cords used with portable tools must be three-wire type no smaller than 16-3 gauge. Extension
cords must be inspected prior to use and all cords found with frayed or otherwise damaged cord jacketing,
or missing the ground pin must be removed from service and either destroyed or repaired by a Qualified
Person.
13) Wrapping electrical tape around a damaged flexible cord or extension cord jacketing is not a suitable
repair. Once the outer jacket has lost its integrity, tape does not provide the required protection for the
inner conductors. Tape does not restore the original integrity of the jacket; therefore the cord must be
destroyed and discarded or properly repaired or replaced.
14) Relocatable power taps (power strips) shall be of the polarized or grounded type and be equipped with
overcurrent protection and shall be listed or labeled by a NRTL. Relocatable power taps must be
connected directly to a receptacle. They may not be used in conjunction with extension cords.
15) The use of multiplug adaptors, such as cube adaptors, are prohibited.
16) Adapters that interrupt the continuity of the equipment grounding conductor shall not be used.
H) Free from Recognized Hazards
Electrical equipment must be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious physical harm.
Equipment must be suitable for the installation and use, and must be installed and maintained in accordance with
the manufacturer’s instructions, the National Electrical Code (NEC) and the applicable Occupational Safety and
Health Administration (OSHA) Standards.
This includes:
• doors are closed and secured
• covers are in place and secured
• no evidence of impending failure

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I) Guarding of Energized Parts
Energized parts of electrical equipment operating at 50 volts or more must be guarded against unintentional
contact. Proper guarding can be achieved by use of an approved enclosure, by location in a room or vault that is
accessible to Qualified Persons only, or by elevating the equipment or controlling the arrangement of the space to
prevent contact by Unqualified Persons. If electric equipment is located in an area where it is potentially exposed
to physical damage, the enclosure or guard must be of sufficient strength to prevent such damage.
J) Electric Power and Lighting Circuits
1) Routine Opening and Closing of Circuits - Load rated switches, circuit breakers, or other devices
specifically designed as disconnecting means must be used for the opening, reversing, or closing of
circuits under load conditions. Cable connectors not of the load-break type, fuses, terminal lugs, and cable
splice connections may not be used for opening, reversing, or closing circuits under load conditions.
2) Re-Closing Circuits After a Protective Device Operates - After a circuit is de-energized by a circuit
protective device (e.g., circuit breaker or similar), one reset will be allowed by a properly qualified
employee. If the problem still exists, the problem must be communicated to a supervisor before the circuit
can be reset again. The repetitive manual re-closing of circuit breakers or re-energizing circuits by
replacing fuses without verifying that the circuit can be safely energized is prohibited.
3) Overcurrent protection of circuits and conductors may not be modified, even on a temporary basis.
K) Test Equipment and Instruments
1) Only Qualified Persons shall perform tasks such as testing, troubleshooting and voltage measuring on
electrical equipment operating at voltage equal to or greater than 50 volts. Test instruments and
equipment (including all associated test leads cables, power cords, probes and connectors) must be
visually inspected for external defects and damage before the equipment is used. If there is a defect or
evidence of damage that might expose an employee to injury, the defective or damaged item must be
tagged out of service. The device may not be returned to service until it has been repaired and tested safe
for use.
2) Test instruments, equipment, and their accessories must be rated for the circuits and equipment to which
they will be connected and designed for the environment in which they will be used.
3) Electrical test equipment used by Penn students, faculty and staff shall be supplied and maintained by
Penn and have a minimum rating of Category III for testing equipment rated at 600 volts or less.
4) Before and after each test, determine that the test instrument is operating satisfactorily through
verification on a known voltage source.
5) Voltage testing instruments shall be maintained and calibrated according to the manufacturer’s
specifications.

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L) Overhead Power Lines
1) If work is to be performed near energized overhead lines, the lines must be de-energized and grounded. If
the lines are to be de-energized, arrangements shall be made with the person or organization that operates
or controls the electric circuits involved to de-energize and ground them.
2) A ground safety person shall be designated if equipment must be operated in the vicinity of overhead
power lines that are not de-energized. This person’s responsibility is to observe that safe working
clearances are maintained around all overhead lines and to direct the equipment operator accordingly.
3) When an unqualified person is working either in an elevated position or at ground level near energized
overhead lines, the location of the employee and the longest conductive object being used must not come
closer than ten feet from the overhead line.
4) All vehicular and mechanical equipment operating in the vicinity of energized overhead electrical lines
must not approach the lines any closer than ten feet. Penn employees standing on the ground near
equipment operating near overhead lines must stay ten feet clear of the operating equipment.
M) General Precautions
1) Illumination - Sufficient illumination must be provided at the work site when working near exposed
energized electrical equipment.
2) Confined or Enclosed Space – Staff required to work in confined or enclosed spaces that contains
exposed energized electrical conductors or circuit parts operating at voltages equal to or greater than 50
volts or where an electrical hazard exists, must receive specialized training on the hazards/risks involved.
Work must be completed in compliance with the applicable Penn Permit Required Confined Space
Program.
3) Ladders - All portable ladders used for electrical-related work must have non-conductive side rails and
shall be compliant with ANSI A14 standards.
4) Conductive Materials and Equipment - Conductive apparel (jewelry, watches, rings, necklaces,
bracelets, and metal frame glasses) or items such as key rings must not be worn within the electrical
safety boundary.
5) Housekeeping - Proper clearances must be maintained around electrical equipment.
6) Flammable or Ignitable Materials - Where flammable or ignitable materials are present, do not use
electric equipment capable of igniting them unless measures are taken to prevent hazardous conditions
from developing. Flammable and ignitable materials include, but are not limited to, flammable gases,
vapors, or liquids, combustible dust, and ignitable fibers or filings. Equipment that is intrinsically safe for
the hazardous condition may be used.

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N) Alerting Techniques
The following alerting techniques must be used to warn and protect employees from electrical shock hazards,
burns, or failure of electric equipment parts.
1) Safety Signs and Tags - Safety signs, safety symbols, or accident prevention tags are to be used where
necessary to warn employees about electrical hazards that may endanger them. Electrical safety signs and
labels should meet ANSI Z-535 design standards.
2) Barricades – Barricades are used in conjunction with safety signs where necessary to prevent or limit
employee access to work areas exposing employees to uninsulated energized conductors or circuit parts.
Conductive barricades may not be used where they might cause an electrical contact hazard. Where the
arc flash boundary is greater than the limited approach boundary, barricades shall not be placed closer
than the arc flash boundary. The Arc Flash Protection Boundary shall be demarcated by using Energized
Area Signs and/or Caution Energized Area Tape.
3) Attendants - If signs and barricades do not provide sufficient warning from electrical hazards, an
attendant is to be stationed to warn and protect employees. Attendants can also be used for short-term
energized work. Example: Utilize attendant while Qualified Person is temporarily exposed to energized
parts.
N) Safety Related Maintenance Requirements
1) Electrical equipment shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions or industry
consensus standards to reduce the risk associated with failure.
11. RESEARCH LABORATORIES and SUPPORT SHOPS
This section defines practices and procedures to be implemented for electrical equipment that is not listed or
labeled by a nationally-recognized testing laboratory (NRTL). Typically, this will include research related
equipment that is custom built in-house or NRTL listed or labeled equipment that has been modified which
invalidates the listing or labeling.
An important concept to understand is that NRTL listed/labeled electrical equipment has undergone rigorous
testing to help insure that it is safe for use. If electrical equipment is modified or custom built in-house, the
laboratory/group responsible for modifying or building the equipment is responsible to complete a field
evaluation of the equipment to insure that it is safe for use. EHRS is available to provide guidance and identify
resources to aid in completion of the field evaluation, however, EHRS cannot perform the field evaluation.
A) General
1) Equipment and installations that bear the seal of a NRTL are considered approved as long as they are
installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
2) NRTL listed or labeled equipment must be acquired/used whenever it is available, even if similar unlisted
or labeled equipment can be used. OSHA allows for approval of custom-made equipment or related

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installations if the equipment is determined to be safe for its intended use by its manufacturer on the basis
of test data which the employer keeps and makes available for inspection.
3) EHRS shall act as the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) for Penn. In this role, EHRS shall help guide the
laboratory through the requirements of this section and if needed, assist with identifying the appropriate
subject matter experts that may be needed to help the lab/group complete the field evaluation. EHRS shall
not be responsible for field evaluation of equipment. The field evaluation must be completed by the
Competent Person designated by the laboratory that modifies or builds the equipment. In some cases, the
Competent Person may need to collaborate with the appropriate subject matter experts to assist with the
field evaluation, but ultimately, the Competent Person must take responsibility for the equipment and
insure that it is safe for use.
4) Electrical equipment fabrication, modification or installation shall be completed by or under the direct
supervision of a Competent Person.
5) A Competent Person is a person who has demonstrated skills and knowledge related to the construction
and operation of electrical equipment and installations and has received safety training to identify and
avoid the hazards involved. The Competent Person is responsible for all work activities or safety
procedures related to custom or special equipment and has detailed knowledge regarding the exposure to
electrical hazards, the appropriate control methods to reduce the risk associated with those hazards, and
the implementation of those methods.
a) The Competent Person shall have an understanding of the following concepts:

(i) Skills and techniques necessary to distinguish exposed energized electrical conductors and circuit
parts from other parts of electrical equipment.
(ii) Skills and techniques necessary to determine the nominal voltage of exposed energized electrical
conductors and circuit parts.
(iii) Approach distances specified in Appendix 2 and the corresponding voltages to which the
individual will be exposed.
(iv) Decision-making process necessary to be able to dot the following:
(a) Perform the job safety planning.
(b) Identify electrical hazards.
(c) Assess the associated risk.
(d) Select the appropriate risk control methods from the hierarchy of controls including selection
of appropriate personal protective equipment.
6) Where electrical equipment must be custom fabricated because NRTL listed or labeled equipment is not
available or there is a case where foreign equipment is acquired to perform a unique experimental
function in support of the laboratory’s scientific mission or there is a need for continued use of legacy
equipment, the equipment shall be free from recognized hazards that are likely to cause death or serious
physical harm to employees. The equipment must be field evaluated and approved by a Competent Person
and documented on the Custom Electrical Equipment Field Evaluation Form included in Appendix 12.
B) Energy Thresholds – Energy exposure levels shall not exceed those identified in the following list unless
appropriate controls are implemented as approved by the Competent Person:

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1) AC: 50-volts and 5 milliamperes.
2) DC: 100-volts and 40 milliamperes.
3) Capacitive Systems:
a) 100-volts and 100 Joules of stored energy
b) 400-volts and 1.0 Joules of stored energy
c) 0.25 Joules of stored energy
C) Equipment Examination - In judging equipment, considerations such as the following shall be evaluated:
1) Suitability of equipment for an identified purpose may be evidenced by NRTL listing or labeling for that
identified purpose.
2) Electrical equipment must be enclosed to protect personnel from the hazards of electrical shock and arc
flash and to contain fire or pieces that could be violently expelled.
3) Exposed metal parts of the enclosure are bonded and grounded.
4) Appropriate overcurrent protection is installed.
5) Mechanical strength and durability, including, for parts designed to enclose and protect other equipment,
the adequacy of the protection thus provided.
6) Wire-bending and connection space.
7) Electrical insulation.
8) Heating effects under normal conditions of use and also under abnormal conditions likely to arise in
service.
9) Arcing effects.
10) Classification by type, size, voltage, current capacity, and specific use.
11) Openings through which conductors enter shall be adequately closed and strain relief provided.
12) Other factors that contribute to the practical safeguarding of persons using or likely to come in contact
with the equipment.
D) Equipment Marking and Documentation:
1) Marking – Marking of equipment shall be required for, but not limited to, equipment fabricated, designed,
or developed for research testing and evaluation of electrical systems. Marking shall sufficiently list all
voltage entering or leaving control cabinets, enclosures and equipment. Caution, Warning, or Danger

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labels shall be affixed to the exterior describing specific hazards and safety concerns. Refer to ANSI
Z535, Series of Standards of Safety Signs and Tags for more information.
2) Documentation – Sufficient documentation shall be provided and readily available to personnel that
install, operate and maintain equipment that describes operation, shutdown, safety concerns and
nonstandard installations. Schematics, drawings and bill of materials describing power feeds, voltage,
currents and parts used for construction, maintenance and operation of the equipment shall be provided.
3) Shutdown Procedures - Safety requirements and emergency shutdown procedures of equipment shall
include control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) requirements.
4) Approvals – Drawings, standard operating procedures and equipment shall be approved by the Competent
Person. Assembly of equipment shall comply with national standards where applicable unless research
application requires exceptions. Equipment that does carry a listing or label from a NRTL shall be Field
Evaluated. Proper safety shutdown procedures and PPE requirements shall be considered in the absence
of grounding and/or bonding.
E) Field Evaluation Process
1) The laboratory responsible for modification or custom fabrication of electrical equipment must complete
or arrange for field evaluation of the equipment. The equipment must be inspected and approved by a
Competent Person and documented on the Custom Electrical Equipment Field Evaluation Form
(Appendix 12). The completed form must be submitted to the ESA (EHRS) for review prior to start-up.
The ESA will review the form and contact the lab if concerns are identified or upload the form to the lab’s
BioRAFT record. Once the completed form is uploaded to BioRAFT, the equipment can be considered
approved for use.
2) Documentation: The following documents must be maintained by the laboratory that modified or
fabricated the electrical equipment:
a) Justification for in-house modifications of NRTL listed or labeled equipment or need for in-house
fabrication of equipment.
b) Design information and a schematic line drawing of the electrical work.
c) Qualifications of the fabricator. Qualifications include adequate technical electrical/electronic and
electrical safety knowledge.
d) Completed Custom Electrical Equipment Field Evaluation Form (Appendix 12). The form must be
maintained for the life of the equipment.
12. HAZARDOUS LOCATIONS
A) Wet or Damp Locations
1) Work in wet or damp work locations (i.e., areas surrounded or near water or other liquids) should not be
performed unless it is absolutely critical.
2) Electrical work should be postponed until the liquid can be cleaned up. If the work cannot be avoided, the
Electrical Supervisor responsible for the task, prior to performing the work must grant approval.

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3) Every attempt should be made to provide an insulated workspace if the work must be performed.
4) The following special precautions must be incorporated while performing work in damp locations:
a) Only use electrical cords that have Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs);
b) Place a dry barrier over any wet or damp work surface;
c) Remove standing water before beginning work. Work is prohibited in areas where there is standing
water;
d) Do not use electrical extension cords in wet or damp locations; and
e) Keep electrical cords away from standing water.
B) Underground Electrical Installations
1) All work for underground electrical installations falls under the appropriate Penn Permit-Required
Confined Space Program. Additional requirements for working in electrical manholes or sub-surface
vaults are as follows:
a) Ladders shall be used to enter and exit manholes or sub-surface vaults > 4-feet in depth. No employee
may climb into or out of a vault by stepping on cables or hangers.
b) Equipment used to lower equipment and materials into manholes or vaults shall be capable of
supporting the weight of the materials and shall be inspected prior to use for defects. When equipment
is lowered, each employee shall be clear of the area directly under the opening.
c) While work is being performed in a manhole containing energized electrical equipment, employee(s)
with First Aid and CPR Training shall be available on the surface in the immediate vicinity to render
emergency assistance.
C) Stationary Lead-Acid Battery Systems
1) Signage
a) Doors and entryways into rooms or areas containing stationary lead-acid battery systems that have a
capacity of more than 50-gallons of electrolyte shall be provided with approved signs. The signs shall
state that the room contains lead-acid battery systems, that the battery room contains energized
electrical circuits and that the battery electrolyte solutions are corrosive liquids.
2) Emergency Irrigation Equipment

a) An emergency eyewash facility shall be available in the immediate area. A temporary portable
eyewash unit is to be made available when servicing batteries if the permanent eyewash station is not
operational. Should electrolyte come in contact with eyes, flush liberally with large amounts of water
for fifteen minutes and secure medical treatment immediately. Prior to starting work, ensure that the
expiration dates on the eyewash solution containers are not expired.
3) The following equipment shall be available to all personnel working with flooded cell batteries:
a) Safety glasses, goggles and approved face shield.
b) Acid-resistant gloves for handling batteries.
c) Protective apron or acid-resistant battery suit and overshoes.
d) Rubber gloves rated for the possible voltage exposure and heavy-duty leather protector gloves.
e) Insulated tools.

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f) Electrolyte neutralizing kit.
4) Wear personal protective equipment including eye/face protection, gloves and aprons or battery suits and
non-conductive safety toe boots when handling electrolyte and /or moving batteries. Electrolyte is
extremely corrosive.
5) Remove all jewelry (watches, rings, necklaces, etc.) & keys before working with batteries.
6) Use insulated tools if any work must be done on or around the battery.
7) Batteries store electrical energy, so they may prove to be a hazard if mishandled. As in any work
involving "energized" equipment, remember to insulate and isolate prior to performing work.
8) Observe proper polarity connections at all times.
9) Ensure unobstructed egress from the battery area at all times when testing.
10) Adequate ventilation shall be provided to remove explosive hydrogen gasses that are generated during
battery charging.
11) Flame arresters should be installed on all batteries.
12) No smoking or open flame shall be permitted near a battery.
13) Solvents, detergents and lubricants can damage the plastic compounds used in the battery case and covers.
Use of chemical solvents and lubricants shall therefore be limited to specific, approved materials. Do not
scratch or otherwise damage the battery cases.
14) Batteries store high amounts of energy. A short circuit across the terminals of a battery can produce
arcing and possibly an explosion. Adequate precautions must be taken to prevent short-circuiting battery
terminals. Keep the top of the battery clear of tools and other foreign objects at all times.
15) Use suitable fuse leads for short circuit protection during all testing. Extremely high currents are available
from a battery. Even an apparently dead cell should never be short-circuited.
16) Cells connected in series have likely have high voltages that could present a shock hazard.
17) Directly shorting a cell or portion of a cell with a jumper to keep the DC circuit complete must not be
done.
18) Those handling batteries may accumulate static charge, especially on dry days. Always touch a grounded
surface to discharge static before touching a cell post.
19) Transporting Batteries:

a) Use proper materials handling and lifting techniques. EHRS can provide specific training.
b) Use carts as much as possible to minimize the need to carry batteries.

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c) Never lift or move a battery by its cell posts. Use lifting devices of adequate capacity when required.
Inspect all lifting equipment before use.
20) Visually check to insure metal battery racks are properly connected to the station ground.
21) Load test leads shall be connected with sufficient lengths to prevent accidental arcing in the battery area.
22) Avoid arcing in the immediate vicinity of the battery.
23) When mixing electrolyte, the acid shall always be added to the water, never the reverse, as this may result
in an explosion.
D) Working at Elevated Locations
1) Any person working on electrical equipment on an elevated surface must take necessary precautions to
prevent a fall from a sudden reaction to electrical shock or other causes.
2) Portable ladders shall have non-conductive side-rails if they are used where the person or the ladder could
contact exposed energized parts. Metal ladders are not permitted. All ladders shall be in compliance with
the applicable ANSI A14 standard.
E) Bucket Trucks
1) This section refers specifically to vehicle mounted boom lifts (bucket trucks). The use of other types of
elevating work platforms are covered under the following separate Penn safety programs:
Boom-Supported Elevating Work Platform Program
Vertical Plane Elevating Work Platform Program
2) Only individuals who have received training on the safe operation of the bucket truck and the specific fall
protection requirement are authorized to operate or ride in the bucket.
3) Bucket trucks shall be inspected by the operator prior to use, according to the inspection checklist called
for in the instruction manual issued by the manufacturer. Special attention should be given to the
following:
a) Inspect hydraulic hoses and controls for twisting, chafing, and proper adjustment.
b) With oil lines under pressure, inspect all hydraulic fittings, pumps, and cylinders for evidence of
leakage.
c) Check the unit for proper operating speed and rate of drift.
d) Check the operation of all controls through their maximum working range.
e) Check the booms for cracked welds or distorted members.
f) Check the boom and leveling wire-rope cable for frayed strands, security of terminals, and correct
adjustment.
g) Check for the proper inflation and condition of all tires; an under inflated tire or blown tire will affect
the stability of the truck. Operations shall be suspended if test or inspection indicates malfunction of
equipment which prevents safe operation.

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4) All routine and periodic inspections/maintenance must be completed as required by the operator’s
manual.
5) A warm up period is needed at the beginning of each day's work for hydraulic equipment. This time may
vary with different makes and models and ranges of temperatures at various locations.
6) Bucket trucks shall only be used to do such work as can be done without exceeding the posted safe load
limits set by the manufacturer.
7) A Ground Safety Person shall be designated to watch for and alert pedestrians of the vehicle while it is
moving or in operation where pedestrians are present and to delineate a pedestrian-free area around the
vehicle and under the work area using cones, barricades or other methods. The Ground Safety Person also
acts as a spotter to warn the operator to stay clear of overhead conductors or other hazards.
8) Careful consideration shall be given to the location of overhead conductors and the surrounding
conditions before the truck is moved into the work position. Every attempt should be made to place the
truck so that all work areas at that location might be reached by the boom without additional movement of
the truck.
9) All vehicular and mechanical equipment operating in the vicinity of energized overhead electrical lines
must not approach the lines any closer than ten feet. Penn employees standing on the ground near
equipment operating near overhead lines must stay ten feet clear of the operating equipment.
10) The truck shall be stabilized before the boom is un-cradled. The brakes shall be set and outriggers, when
included, shall be positioned on pads. Wheel chocks shall be installed when working on an incline.
11) When working on inclined surfaces, the truck shall be checked to make sure a stable setup has been
arranged. The truck should sit approximately level as viewed from the rear.
12) Before lowering the stabilizers, outriggers, or hydraulic jacks, the operator shall be certain the area is
clear and that no one is in a position where they may be injured by the equipment.
13) The operator shall follow the proper sequence prescribed by the manufacturer in raising the boom section.
14) When moving the boom, employees shall stand clear of the boom travel path.
15) Riding in the basket when vehicle is in motion shall not be permitted.
16) Belting off to an adjacent pole, structure, or equipment while working from a bucket truck shall not be
permitted.
17) Operator shall always stand firmly on the floor of the bucket, and shall not sit or climb on the edge of the
basket or use planks, ladders, or other devices for a work position.

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18) Equipment or material shall not be passed between a pole or structure and a bucket truck while an
employee working from the basket is within reaching distance of energized conductors or equipment that
are not covered with insulating protective equipment.
19) Winch lines, bull lines, straight lines or conductors shall not be secured to the upper boom or basket of an
aerial lift during operations. However, a hand-line may be attached to raise and lower protective
equipment, hand tools and light material. The hand-line shall first be detached when it is necessary to
maneuver the basket more than a short distance.
20) The insulated parts of an aerial lift device shall not be altered with any material that might reduce its
insulating value. Only attachments authorized by EHRS shall be installed on the basket or boom
assembly.
21) The operator in the basket of a bucket truck shall always face in the direction in which they are moving.
22) The employee shall disconnect air or hydraulic tools from the power supply when not in use.
23) The use of cord fed electrical tools from the basket shall not be permitted.
24) Amber safety beacon lights shall be on when the vehicle is in operation.
25) Bucket trucks with insulated arm(s) shall be electrically tested annually in accordance with a pre-arranged
schedule.
26) Storage of tools and materials on the cab guards of bucket trucks shall be kept to a minimum. Care shall
be taken to avoid overloading of the cab guard and unobstructed access to and from the basket shall be
maintained.
27) Any repair of the hydraulic pressure system, (involving opening of the pressure lines), shall only be
completed by the vehicle service provider.
28) Work shall be discontinued when adverse weather conditions would make the work hazardous in spite of
safe work practices. Examples of adverse weather conditions are thunderstorms in the immediate vicinity,
high winds, snowstorms, and ice storms.
13. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
A) In case of emergency:
Always verify that communications can be quickly established from the particular job site (ie. cell phone
signal or working landline nearby).
1) For emergencies occurring on the main Penn campus, call 511 from a campus phone or (215) 573-3333.
2) Morris Arboretum, New Bolton Center or anyone working off the main campus must contact 911 to
summon help.

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3) Stay with the individual until help arrives. Notify the appropriate supervisor and EHRS (215) 898-4453 as
soon as possible after the injury occurs.
B) Minor Injuries:
1) Main Campus – Seek treatment during the hours 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM at HUP - Occupational Medicine
located in the Ravdin Building Second Floor located at 3400 Spruce Street. After these hours, seek
treatment at HUP Emergency Service located on the Ground floor of the Silverstein Pavilion at 34th and
Spruce Streets.
2) New Bolton Center – Seek treatment at Occupational Health Center of Kennett Square located at 830
West Cypress Street, Kennett Square, 19348 (610) 444-6214 or Chester County Hospital located at 701
East Marshall Street, West Chester, 19380 (610) 444-5000 or Jennersville Regional Hospital located at
1015 West Baltimore Pike, West Grove, PA 19390 (610) 869-1000
3) Morris Arboretum – Seek treatment at Chestnut Hill Hospital located at 8835 Germantown Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19118 (215) 248-8200
4) Other Locations – Seek treatment at closest Emergency Department.
14. TRAINING
A) Technical Training
1) Faculty and Supervisors are responsible for identifying and coordinating specialized technical training
required for their students or employees. Contact EHRS if assistance is needed to identify training
resources.
2) One who is undergoing on-the-job training and who, in the course of such training, has demonstrated an
ability to perform duties safely at his or her level of training and who is under the direct supervision of a
Qualified Person is considered to be qualified for the performance of those duties.
3) For an individual to be qualified on a specific activity, he/she must be trained on that work activity or
provide documentation which demonstrates the individual’s ability to safely perform the work activity.
B) Electrical Safety Training
1) In order to identify and understand the relationship between electrical hazards and possible injury, faculty,
staff and students exposed to electrical hazards when the risk associated with that hazard is not reduced to
a safe level by the applicable electrical installation requirements, shall be trained in safety-related work
practices and procedural requirements related to the task or curriculum. Contact EHRS if assistance is
needed to define scope of training and identify available resources. The curriculum for electrical safety
training presented to students must be reviewed and approved by EHRS. Training of faculty and staff
shall be documented and entered into Penn’s learning management system by EHRS. Documentation of
student training shall be maintained by the faculty or staff member responsible for the particular
curriculum or project requiring interaction with electricity.

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2) All Qualified Persons must be trained in Penn’s Electrical Safety Program and NFPA 70E initially upon
assignment and periodically not to exceed a three year period.
3) Qualified Persons working on exposed lines or equipment on power generation, transmission and
distribution systems energized at 50 volts or more shall be trained in first aid and cardiopulmonary
resuscitation (CPR).
4) Contact Release: Those exposed to shock hazards and/or responsible for the safe release of victims from
contact with energized electrical conductors or circuit parts shall be trained in methods of safe release.
This training shall occur annually.
5) Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) procedures which are used to place electrical equipment
into a safe work condition requires specific training which is covered in Penn’s Control of Hazardous
Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Program.
C) Unqualified Persons
1) All Unqualified Persons who may potentially encounter electrical hazards shall be trained to identify
electrical hazards to which they could be exposed and the proper methods of avoiding the hazards. This
training should occur upon assignment and periodically not to exceed a three year period.
2) Unqualified personnel shall be instructed in the following:

a) Risk and hazards associated with contact with energized electrical equipment, and
b) Tasks that can only be performed by a Qualified Person, and
c) Importance of electrical hazard signs, labels and tags.
15. ELECTRICAL SAFETY PROGRAM AUDITING
A) Electrical Safety Program Audit
Penn’s Electrical Safety Program shall be evaluated by an audit team, consisting of a representative from
EHRS and at least one Qualified Person every three years or earlier if an accident or near miss occurs.
1) If the audit uncovers a deficiency, the team can formulate a resolution and recommend a revision to the
program. The revision should involve the workers that are affected to ensure that the resolution addresses
all of the known hazards and does not create an additional hazard.
2) After the procedure has been revised, the workers affected by the revision shall be retrained.
B) Field Work Audit
Field work shall be audited to verify that the requirements contained in this program are being followed.
When the auditing determines that the principals and procedures of the electrical safety program are not being
followed, the appropriate revisions to the training program or revisions to the procedures shall be made.

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Audits shall be performed at intervals not to exceed one year. The Electrical Safety Audit Checklist may be
used to assist this process. (Appendix 7)
16. OTHER ITEMS
A) Accidents and Near Misses
Accidents and Near Misses must be documented using the Accident/Incident Report Form (Appendix 8).
Information that must be documented includes the following:
1) Individuals involved. List names of all individuals assigned to the job. List qualifications of employees.
2) Job Location: Area and Electrical equipment identification of circuit; this should include a description of
the circuit and equipment that was involved.
3) Description of work performed. This should include a description of the safe work practices that were
employed or violated.
4) Determination of shock and arc flash protection boundaries according to the Risk Assessment.
5) The necessary personal protective equipment required to safely perform the assigned task.
6) Means employed to restrict the access of unqualified persons from the work area.
7) Evidence of completion of a job briefing, including a discussion of any job specific hazard.
8) A copy of the completed Energized Work Permit (if applicable).
9) Equipment details.
10) Sketches/pictures.
11) Reference data.
17. REFERENCES
A) Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.269, “Electrical Power Generation, Transmission and
Distribution”
B) Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.137, “Electrical Protective Devices”
C) Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.147, “The Control of Hazardous Energy”
D) Code of Federal Regulations 29 CFR 1910.331, 1910.332, 1910.333, 1910.334, 1910.335, “Electrical Safety
Work Practices”.

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E) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 70 – National Electrical Code
F) National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace,
2018 Edition
G) University of Pennsylvania Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout) Program
H) University of Pennsylvania Electrical Safety Fact Sheet
I) University of Pennsylvania Materials Handling and Lifting Fact Sheet
J) University of Pennsylvania Elevating Work Platform Programs
K) University of Pennsylvania Confined Space Programs
L) City of Philadelphia Fire Code

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APPENDIX 1 - RISK ASSESSMENT PROCESS
The intent of this procedure is to perform a risk assessment, which includes a review of the electrical hazards, the
associated foreseeable tasks, and the protective measures that are required in order to maintain a tolerable level of
risk. A risk assessment should be performed before work is started.
Risk Assessment Steps
1. Identify the electrical hazards associated with the task and the electrical system, or electrical process
involved (example: shock hazard risk; arc flash hazard risk).
2. Identify the electrical work to be performed within the electrical system or process.
3. Define the possible failure modes that result in exposure to electrical hazards and the potential resultant
harm.
4. Assess the severity of the potential injury from the electrical hazards.
5. Determine the likelihood of the occurrence for each hazard.
6. Define the level of risk for the associated hazard.
7. If the level of risk is not acceptable, identify the additional measures or corrective actions to be taken.
Example: wear appropriate PPE and if the risk too great, do not perform the task.
The risk related to an identified hazard may be thought of as being composed of the severity of the injury and the
likelihood of occurrence of that injury.
Figure 1 Elements of Risk
Risk Assessment Calculation
Following are two examples of methods that can be used to conduct electrical risk assessments.
In the first, The Risk Register Method, the risk is derived using the risk parameters as shown in Figure 1.
In the second, the risk is derived from using a Risk Assessment Matrix as shown in Figure 2.
Risk Register Method:
1. Severity of the Possible Injury or Damage to Health (Se) – Severity of injuries or damage to health can be
estimated by taking into account reversible injuries, irreversible injuries, and death. Typically, the types
of hazards to be considered include, but are not limited to, shock and electrocution, burns, and impact.
Choose the appropriate Severity value from Table 1 below. Add value to the Risk Register (Table 5)

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Severity of Injury of Damage to Health Se Value

Irreversible – trauma, death. 8
Permanent – skeletal damage, blindness, hearing loss, third degree burns. 6
Reversible – minor impact, hearing damage, second degree burns. 3
Reversible – minor laceration, bruises, first degree burns. 1
Table 1
2. Frequency and Duration of Exposure (Fr) - The following aspects should be considered to determine the
level of exposure:
a. Need for access to the hazard zone based on all modes of use; for example, normal operation and
maintenance
b. Nature of access, for example, examination, repair, and troubleshooting.
Choose the appropriate Frequency value from Table 2 below. Add value to the Risk Register (Table 5)
Frequency of Exposure Fr Value (for Duration > 10 min)

< 1 per hour 5
> 1 per hour to < 1 per day 5
> 1 per day to < 1 every 2 weeks 4
> 1 every 2 weeks to < 1 per year 3
> 1 per year 2
Table 2
3. Likelihood of Occurrence of a Hazardous Event (Pr) – The occurrence of a hazardous event influences the
likelihood of the occurrence of injury or damage to health. The possibility of the hazardous occurring
should describe the likelihood of the event materializing during the use or foreseeable misuse, or both, of
the electrical system or process. Subjectivity may have a substantial impact on the result of the risk
assessment. The use of subjective information should be minimized as far as reasonably practicable.
The likelihood of occurrence of the hazardous event should be estimated independently of other related
parameters (Fr and Av) and will typically be based on the results of the completed study of the arc flash
potential. The worst-case scenario should be used for this parameter to ensure that short-circuit
interruption device(s) have, where practicable, been properly selected and installed and will provide
adequate protection.
Elements of the electrical system that are intended to ensure an intrinsically safe design shall be taken into
consideration in the determination of the likelihood of the hazardous event(s). These can include, but are
not limited to, the mechanical structure, electrical devices, and electronic controls integral to the system,
the process, or both at the time of the analysis. Types of components that could contribute to an inherently
safe design include, but are not limited to, current-limiting devices and ground-fault circuit interrupters.
This parameter can be estimated by taking into account the following factors:
a. The predictability of the performance of component parts of the electrical system relevant to the
hazard in different modes of use (e.g., normal operation, maintenance, fault finding).

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At this point in the risk assessment process, the protective effect of any personal protective
equipment (PPE) and other protective measures should not be taken into account. This is
necessary in order to estimate the amount of risk that will be present if the PPE and other
protective measures are not in place at the time of the exposure. In general terms, it must be
considered whether the electrical system being assessed has the propensity to act in an
unexpected manner. The electrical system performance will vary from very predictable to not
predictable. Unexpected events cannot be discounted until it can be clearly demonstrated that the
electrical system will perform as expected.
b. The specified or foreseeable characteristics of human behavior with regard to interaction with the
component parts for the machine relevant to the hazard, which can be characterized by one or
both of the following:
i. Stress (e.g., due to time constraints, work task, perceived damage limitation).
ii. Lack of awareness of information relevant to the hazard.
Human behavior will be influenced by factors such as skills, training, experience, and complexity of the
machine or the process.
These attributes are not usually directly under the influence of the electrical system designer, but a task
analysis will reveal activities in which total awareness of all issues, including unexpected outcomes,
cannot be reasonably assumed. “Very high” likelihood of occurrence of a hazardous event should be
selected to reflect normal workplace constraints and worst-case considerations. Positive reasons (e.g.,
well-defined application and a high level of user competence) are required for any lower values to be
used.
Any required or assumed skills, knowledge, and so forth, should be stated in the information for use.
Select the appropriate value for Likelihood of Occurrence of Hazardous Event (Pr) from Table 3 below.
Add value to the Risk Register (Table 5).
Likelihood of a Hazardous Event Pr Value

Very high 5
Likely 4
Possible 3
Rare 2
Negligible 1
Table 3
Listed below are examples of general questions to consider in determining the likelihood of an event (risk):
• Has the equipment been installed in accordance with NFPA 70®, National Electrical Code® (NEC®)?
• Has the equipment been maintained and tested in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions?
• How old is the equipment?
• Is there any visual indication of overheating?
• Is any component, device, or equipment loose or damaged?
The following are enclosure questions:

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• Do all enclosure doors operate and latch properly?

• Does the enclosure have all of its bolts and screws installed?
• Does the equipment or enclosure have ventilation openings?
• Is the enclosure arc rated?
• Are there openings in the enclosure that rodents or other vermin could enter?
• Is there an indication of moisture in the equipment?
• Has the enclosure been examined for dust, dirt, soot, or grease?
• Is there any indication of overheating of the bus work, etc., in the enclosure, such as discoloration?
The following are circuit breaker (CB) condition questions:

• Has the CB periodically been operated in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions?
• Has the CB been applied within its marked rating?
• Has the right type of CB been used?
• Have the proper conductor types and sizes been used to connect to the CB?
• Has the CB been checked for burn marks?
• Have the CB surfaces been examined for dust, dirt, soot, grease, or moisture? If any was found, have the
CB surfaces been appropriately cleaned?
• Has the CB been examined for cracks?
• Have all electrical connections to the CB been checked to be certain that they are clean and secure?
• Is there any indication of discoloration of the CB’s molded case, discoloration or flaking of external metal
parts, or melting or blistering of adjacent wire insulation?
• Is there any evidence of overheating or melting of the arc chute vent or area surrounding the vents?
• Is there evidence of overheating or case blistering?
• If the CB has interchangeable trip units, have the trip units been visually checked for overheating or
looseness?
• Have mechanical operation tests been performed on the CB and proper contact operation verified?
• Have insulation resistance and/or individual pole resistance (millivolt drop) tests been performed on the
CB?
• Have inverse-time and/or instantaneous overcurrent trip tests been conducted on the CB?
• What is the ampere rating of the CB involved?
4. Likelihood of Avoiding or Limiting Injury or Damage to Health (Av) – This parameter can be estimated
by taking into account aspects of the electrical system design and its intended application that can help to
avoid or limit the injury or damage to health from a hazard, including the following examples:
a. Sudden or gradual appearance of the hazardous event; for example, an explosion caused by high
fault values under short-circuit conditions.
b. Spatial possibility to withdraw from the hazard.
c. Nature of the component or system; for example, the use of touch-safe components, which reduce
the likelihood of contact with energized parts. Working in close proximity to high voltage can
increase the likelihood of personnel being exposed to hazards due to approach to live parts.
d. Likelihood of recognition of hazard; for example, as an electrical hazard, a copper bar does not
change it appearance, whether it is under voltage or not. To recognize the presence of the hazard,
an instrument is needed to establish whether or not electrical equipment is energized; thus both
inadvertent and intentional contact need to be considered.

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Select the appropriate value for Likelihood of Avoiding or Limiting Injury or Damage to Health (Av)
from the Table 4. Add the value to the Risk Register (Table 5).
Likelihood of Avoiding or Limiting Injury or Damage to Health Av Value

Impossible 5
Rare 3
Probable 1
Table 4
Risk Register – Enter Values from Tables 1, 2, 3 & 4.
Scenario Hazard Severity Probability of Occurrence of Harm Risk

No. Po = (Fr+Pr+Av) Score (R)
Se Fr Pr Av Total Se x Po
Table 5
A Risk Score (R) higher than 10 requires consideration of additional safety controls.
Risk Matrix Method
A risk assessment matrix is a simple table that groups risk based on severity and likelihood. It can be used to
assess the need for remedial action, such as the use of PPE for a given task, and to prioritize safety issues.
The following title categories are used to define the risk:
1. Likelihood of Occurrence:
a. Definite – Almost certain of happening.
b. Likely – Can happen at any time.
c. Occasional – Occurs sporadically, from time to time.
d. Seldom – Remote possibility; could happen sometime; most likely will not happen.
e. Unlikely – Rare and exceptional for all practical purposes; can assume it will not happen.
2. Severity of Injury:
a. Catastrophic – Death or permanent total disability (PTD).
b. Critical – Permanent partial disability (PPD) or temporary total disability (TTD) 3-months or
longer.
c. Medium – Medical treatment and lost work injury (LWI).
d. Minor – Minor medical treatment possible.
e. Slight – First aid or minor treatment.

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Severity of the injury (consequences)

Likelihood of Slight Minor Medium Critical Catastrophic
occurrence in
period
Cal/cm2 < 1.2 > 1.2 to < 8 > 8 to < 40 > 40
Unlikely L L L M M
Seldom L L M M H
Occasional L M M H E
Likely M M H E E
Definite M H E E E
Figure 2 Risk Assessment Matrix
3. Interpretation of Risk Assessment Matrix:

a. Extreme (E) - Intolerable risk: Do not proceed. Immediately introduce further controls.
Detailed action plan required. Color code red.
b. High (H) - Unsupportable risk: Review and introduce additional controls. Requires senior
management attention. Color code orange.
c. Moderate (M) - Tolerable risk: Incorporates some level of risk that is unlikely to occur.
Specific management responsibility. Consider additional controls. Take remedial action at
appropriate time. Color code yellow.
d. Low (L) - Supportable risk: Monitor and maintain controls in place. Manage by routine.
Procedures. Little or no impact. Color code green.
Protective Measures
The appropriate protective measures include the following:
(1) Elimination
(2) Substitution
(3) Engineering controls
(4) Awareness
(5) Administrative controls (Procedures)
(6) Training
(7) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
(8) Mitigation
Examples:
Elimination: Eliminate the hazard. Turn the equipment off and verify a safe work condition.
Substitution: Think through the entire procedure and substitute methods and procedures that constitute lower
risk.
Engineering Controls: Engineering controls can have a substantial impact on risk. They should, where
practicable, be considered and analyzed. Typically, engineering controls take the form of barriers and other

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safeguarding devices such as GFCI protection, zone selective interlocking, differential relaying, energy reducing
maintenance switches, high resistive grounding and current limiting devices.
Awareness: Awareness means can be used to complement the effects of engineering controls with regard to risk
reduction. They should be chosen based on the design configuration for each specific application and their
potential effectiveness during foreseen interaction. Each design and configuration can require unique awareness
devices in order to have the desired impact on risk. Typically, awareness means take the form of signs and visual
and audible alarms.
Administrative Controls (Procedures): Procedures and instructions that are required for individuals to safely
interact with the electrical system should be identified. The procedures and instruction should include descriptions
of the hazards, the possible hazardous events, hazardous situations, and the protective measures that need to be
implemented. Procedures and instructions should also be used to communicate foreseeable misuse of the system
that could contribute to an increased level of risk. Typically, formal procedures are provided in written form;
however, in some cases, verbal instruction can be provided. Care should be taken in the latter case to ensure that
the verbal instructions will have the desired impact on risk.
Training: Training, with regard to the proper interaction and for foreseeable inappropriate interaction with the
electrical system, must be completed. The intent of the training is to ensure that all affected personnel are able to
understand when and how hazardous situations can arise and how to best reduce the risk associated with those
situations. Typically, training for individuals interacting with electrical systems will include technical information
regarding hazards, hazardous situations, or both as well as information related to potential failure modes that
could affect risk. This type of training generally will be provided by a trainer who has an in-depth understanding
of electrical system design, as well as experience in the field of adult education. Less technical training content
could be appropriate in situations in which only awareness of electrical hazards is needed to ensure that
unqualified personnel do not interact with the electrical system.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The electrical system must be analyzed in order to determine the
appropriate PPE. Once the appropriate PPE has been determined, personnel must maintain and use it as required
in order to ensure that residual risk remains at the desired level. PPE is the last line of defense.
Mitigation – Emergency procedures. Identify who is going to provide assistance and summon help if needed.

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APPENDIX 2 - SHOCK PROTECTION APPROACH BOUNDARIES (AC/DC)
Approach Boundaries to Energized Electrical Conductors or Circuit Parts for Shock Protection.
Limited Approach
Boundary
Nominal Exposed Restricted Approach Boundary; Includes Inadvertent
System Fixed Movement Adder.
Voltage Exposed Circuit
Range, Movable Part
Phase to Conductor
Phase
Less Not Not Not specified

than 50 specified specified
50 to 10 ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 6 in. Avoid contact

150
151 to 10 ft. 0 in. 3 ft. 6 in. 1 ft. 0 in.

750
751 to 10 ft. 0 in. 5 ft. 0 in. 2 ft. 2 in.

15 kV
15.1 kV 10 ft. 0 in. 8 ft. 0 in. 2 ft. 9 in.

to 45 kV

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APPENDIX 3 - ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL WORK PERMIT
Work Request (To be completed by the person requesting the review.)

Work site Work Request/Project no.:
location:
(building & room
number)
Planned start Planned end date/time:
date/time:
Description of
the work to be
performed:
Equipment
requested to be
shut down: Until work is complete Temporarily, while barriers are being placed
(specify how
long)
Requested by: Signature: Title: Date:
Hazard Analysis (To be completed by the Electrically Qualified Persons doing the work.)
Shock Analysis/Approach
Boundaries:
Limited approach boundary- _____ft. _____in.
Restricted approach _____ft. _____in. Work will be conducted within this boundary.
boundary-
NFPA 70E 130.4
Results of the arc flash Determined from table in Appendix 10. _____ft._____in.
hazard analysis -
Calculation results: _____ft. _____in.
NFPA 70E 130.7 (C)(15)(A)&(B)
PPE category for the task: 1 2 3 4 (from Table 130.7(C)(15)(A) & (B))
ATPV rating (in cal/cm2) for
arc-rated clothing: N/A 4 (Cat 1) 8 (Cat 2) 25 (Cat 3) 40 (Cat 4)
Voltage-rated tools Shirt, short sleeve (natural fiber) Flash suit jacket – arc-rated
Voltage-rated gloves Shirt, long sleeve (natural fiber) Flash suit pants – arc-rated
Safety glasses Long pants (natural fiber) Face shield – arc-rated
Hearing protection Shirt, long-sleeve- arc-rated Flash suit hood – arc-rated
Leather gloves Long pants – arc rated 25-Cal Suit
Leather work shoes Coveralls – arc-rated 40-Cal Suit
Hard hat Jacket/rainwear – arc-rated.
Hard hat liner – arc-rated
Means employed to restrict Signs/tags Barricades Attendants
the access of Unqualified
Persons from the work area:
Has a documented job Yes, see attached No
briefing with detailed
procedures been conducted?
Do you agree that the work Electrically Qualified Person(s) Date
can be done safely?

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Justification for the live Shut down creates an increased/additional hazard (specify below):
work request: Shut down is infeasible due to design or operational limitations (specify below):
The next available date for

shutdown is:
Request for energized Electrically Qualified Person: Date:
electrical work:
Proposed Energized Electrical Work Review
Supervisor: Date:
Proposed energized Director of Trades or Facilities: Date:
electrical work has
been reviewed by: EHRS: Date:

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APPENDIX 4 - JOB BRIEFING PLANNING CHECKLIST
ELECTRICAL SAFETY JOB PLANNING & BRIEFING CHECKLIST

Identify
The hazards How many people are needed to safely do the job?
The voltage levels involved The shock protection boundaries
Skills required The available incident energy
Any “foreign” (secondary source) voltage source Potential for arc flash (Conduct a flash-hazard analysis)
Any unusual work conditions The flash protection boundaries
Ask
Can the equipment be de-energized? Is a standby person required?
Can the circuits to be worked on be back fed?
Check
Job plans Safety procedures
Single-line diagrams and vendor prints Vendor information
Status board That individuals are familiar with the facility
Facility and vendor resource information is up to date
Know
What the job is Who is in charge?
Who else needs to know – communicate!
Think
About the unexpected event…what if? Install and remove grounds
Lock-Tag-Test-Try Install barriers and barricades
Test for voltage – FIRST What else….?
Use the right tools and equipment, including PPE
Prepare for an emergency
Is the standby person CPR trained? What is the exact work location?
Is the required emergency equipment available? How is the equipment shut off in an emergency?
Where is the nearest telephone? Where is the fire extinguisher?
Where is the fire alarm? Are radio/cell phone communications available?
Is confined space rescue available?

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ELECTRICAL SAFETY JOB PLANNING & BRIEFING CHECKLIST (Page 2)
COMPLETED BY: _________________________________DATE:_____________________________

TASK/LOCATION: ___________________________________________________________________
ATTENDEES
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Notes:

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APPENDIX 5 - HOW TO READ INCIDENT ENERGY/ARC FLASH LABELS
All labels are divided into 2 parts: Arc Flash and Shock Protection Information
Shock Protection
• Nominal system voltage when “exposed energized parts” are present is listed.
• Limited Approach Boundary indicates the closest distance Unqualified Persons may approach.
• Restricted Approach Boundary indicates when rubber gloves must be worn.
Flash Protection
• The Arc Flash PPE requirements are defined either by providing the Arc Flash PPE/HRC
category/OR the incident energy level. The label should not contain both the incident energy
value AND PPE category because it can lead to confusion.
• The incident energy is the amount of energy available at the working distance. Wear arc rated
PPE rated at minimum with this calorie rating when within the Flash Protection Boundary.
• The Flash Protection Boundary is the distance from the source that a person could receive a
second degree burn if a flash occurred. All parts of your body within this boundary must be
protected from a flash.

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APPENDIX 6 - ADDITIONAL SAFE WORK PRACTICE DESCRIPTIONS
1. Positively ensure the correct circuit is identified before lockout and tagout: Electrical
workers are routinely hurt because the breaker locked out was the wrong one. Before you lock
out a circuit breaker or power disconnect switch, check that you are locking out the correct
breaker --- the one that controls the equipment on which you will be working. Breaker off, the
equipment stops. Breaker on, the equipment runs. Please verify this occurs before locking out.
2. Whenever possible de-energize the equipment before testing: Conduct tests with the
electrical equipment de-energized; or if there is no other way to perform the test, follow the
procedure for working on energized equipment. (Appendix 3)
3. The employee in charge must conduct a job briefing before all energized electrical work:
Before starting any diagnostics & testing energized electrical work, the Qualified Person must
complete a Job Planning Checklist and conduct a job briefing with the employee(s) performing
the work. (Appendix 4)
4. Identify hazards and anticipate problems: Think through what might go wrong and the
consequences of that action. Do not hesitate to discuss any situation or question with your
supervisor and coworkers.
5. Resist “hurry-up” pressure: Program pressures should not cause you to bypass thoughtful
consideration and planned procedures.
6. Don’t hesitate to use the Stop Work Policy: Do not hesitate to use it if you see a fellow worker
performing unsafe acts.
7. Always consider electrical equipment energized unless positively proven otherwise: When
working on electrical equipment, treat the equipment as live until it is tested (verified
deenergized), locked, tagged, shorted, and/or grounded, as appropriate.
8. Use suitably rated electrical devices only as intended: Electrical devices shall be fully rated
for the system to be tested, and must not be modified beyond the intent of their design.
9. Remove or cover all jewelry before performing energized electrical work: This includes
rings, watches, or metal pendants, keyrings and chains that could inadvertently fall into the work.
Metal-framed glasses must be restrained when working around electrical equipment.
10. Know how to shut down equipment in an emergency: Know the location, and operation of,
emergency disconnects for all sources of power to equipment before beginning energized work.

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11. Know Penn’s emergency procedures: All persons working in areas of high hazard (with high-
voltage power supplies, capacitor banks, etc.) must be trained in emergency response procedures,
which includes how to immediately summon help and provide aid to those in need. Verify
communication means to summon outside help. Qualified Persons working on or observing work
on energized transmission and distribution conductors and circuit parts shall maintain
cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid certification.
12. Design for safety: Consider safety to be an integral part of the design process. Protective
devices, warning signs, and administrative procedures are supplements to good design—not a
substitute for it. Engineering controls are always preferable to administrative controls.
Completed designs should include provisions for safe maintenance.
13. Reset circuit breakers only after the trip problem has been defined: One reset will be
allowed for circuits 100 amps and below. If the problem still exists, the problem must be repaired
before the circuit can be reset. When a circuit breaker or other over current device trips, it is
usually due to an overload or fault condition on the line. Repeated attempts to re-energize the
breaker under these conditions may cause the breaker to explode. Do not attempt to reset a
circuit breaker unless the problem has first been identified and corrected or isolated.
14. Maintain the protection of covers, barriers and shielding: When you remove a panel or cover
for access (a barrier), replace it with a temporary barrier to restore at least some of your
protection. This could be a rubber sheet or blanket, placed over the portions of the equipment
under test to which you do not need access. Provide a means to barricade and mark the Arc Flash
Protection Boundary to limit access area to Qualified Personnel only. This should be
accomplished by using Energized Area Signs and/or Caution Energized Area Tape.
15. Never drill into a wall or floor slab without checking the area for concealed utilities or
hidden hazards: Before drilling into a wall or floor, wear suitable PPE for the working
conditions (dirt, slurry, debris) in case of an unknown electrical hazard. At a minimum, this will
include safety glasses, hard hats, all leather shoes, and fully rated gloves.
16. Never modify or penetrate premises wiring conduit or enclosed wireways: Only Qualified
Personnel are allowed to work on premise wiring, conduits or enclosed wiring.
17. Utilize PPE as last line of defense: Know both shock protection and arc flash boundaries.
Determine what voltage you are working on. Use the appropriated PPE and insulated tools.
18. Turn off cell phones while working around energized equipment: Similar to texting and
driving don’t mix; cell phones can’t be a distraction while working around energized equipment.

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APPENDIX 7 - ELECTRICAL SAFETY AUDIT CHECKLIST
Location: ____________________________ Completed by: _____________________________
Safety audit requirement Yes No

One-line diagram exists
One-line diagram is legible
One-line diagram is correct
All persons who operate the power system have easy access
to the current one-line diagrams
Equipment is labeled correctly, legibly, and in accordance
with the one-line diagram
Persons who operate/maintain electrical equipment are
trained for the voltage-class equipment they
operate/maintain
Working with de-energized equipment procedures exist and
are followed
Working with live equipment procedures exist and are
followed
Equipment is grounded properly
Safety grounding equipment, PPE, and working tools (i.e.,
hot sticks, voltage testers) have been calibrated and tested
Ground system is tested periodically
Electrical equipment is free from corrosion
Proper maintenance practices are followed, especially for
fault-protection equipment
Recent (less than five years old) coordination study exists,
and overcurrent devices are calibrated to the setting
recommended
Up-to-date arc-flash hazard assessment is complete,
equipment is labeled, and employees are aware of the
hazard
Power system is resistance grounded
Written switching orders are reviewed and used

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APPENDIX 8 - ACCIDENT/INCIDENT REPORT
All injuries must be reported immediately. Supervisors must complete this incident report and
submit it through their Management to EHRS within two business days.
TYPE INFORMATION BELOW
EMPLOYEE INFORMATION:
Date of Accident or Incident: Time: Date Reported:
Employee Name:
PENN ID Department:
Job Title: Supervisor:
Witnesses:
NATURE OF ACCIDENT OR INCIDENT:

Accident or Incident result in: Injury Illness Near Miss
No Injury or Illness Lost Time No Lost Time
Location (Building & Room No:
Nature and Location of Injury (burn to left hand, fracture to left ankle):
Did Employee (s) receive medical evaluation? Yes No

Where: When:
Description of Accident or Incident:
List PPE in use:

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EMPLOYEE INFORMATION:
DESCRIBE ANY DAMAGE TO EQUIPMENT:
ANALYSIS:
Describe Hazard(s), Unsafe Condition(s) or Act(s):
PREVENTIVE ACTIONS:
Recommended Preventive Action(s):
Actions(s) & Date Taken:
Supervisor Signature: Date:

Manager Signature: Date:
Director Signature: Date:
EHRS Signature: Date:

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APPENDIX 9 - ARC FLASH HAZARD IDENTIFICATION FOR AC and DC SYSTEMS
Task Equipment Condition* Arc Flash

PPE
Required?
Reading a panel meter while operating a meter Any No
switch
Normal operation of a circuit breaker (CB), All of the following: No
switch, contactor, or starter The equipment is properly installed
The equipment is properly maintained
All equipment doors are closed and secured
All equipment covers are in place and
secured
There is no evidence of impending failure
One or more of the following: Yes
The equipment is not properly installed
The equipment is not properly maintained
Equipment doors are open or not secured
Equipment covers are off or not secured
There is evidence of impending failure
For ac systems: Work on energized electrical Any Yes
conductors and circuit parts, including voltage
testing
For dc systems: Work on energized electrical Any Yes
conductors and circuit parts of series-
connected battery cells, including voltage
testing
Voltage testing on individual battery cells or All of the following: No
individual multi-cell units The equipment is properly installed
Covers for all other equipment are in place
and secured
Removal or installation of CBs or switches Any Yes

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APPENDIX 9 - ARC FLASH HAZARD IDENTIFICATION FOR AC and DC SYSTEMS (cont.)

PPE
Required?
Removal or installation of covers for equipment All of the following: No
such as wireways, junction boxes, and cable The equipment is properly installed
trays that does not expose bare energized The equipment is properly maintained
electrical conductors and circuit parts There is no evidence of impending failure
Any of the following: Yes
Removal of bolted covers (to expose bare Any Yes

energized electrical conductors and circuit
parts). For dc systems, this includes bolted
covers, such as battery terminal covers
Removal of battery intercell connector covers All of the following: No
The equipment is properly installed
Covers for all other equipment are in place
and secured
Opening hinged door(s) or cover(s) (to expose Any Yes

bare energized electrical conductors and circuit
parts)
Perform infrared thermography and other Any No
noncontact inspections outside the restricted
approach boundary. This activity does not
include opening of doors or covers
Application of temporary protective grounding Any Yes
equipment after voltage test
Work on control circuits with exposed Any No
energized electrical conductors and circuit parts,
120 volts or below without any other exposed
energized equipment over 120 volts including
opening of hinged covers to gain access

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PPE
Required?
Work on control circuits with exposed Any Yes
energized electrical conductors and circuit parts,
greater than 120 volts.
Insertion or removal of individual starter Any Yes
buckets from motor control center (MCC)
Insertion or removal (racking) of CBs or starters Any Yes
from cubicles, doors open or closed
Insertion or removal of plug-in devices into or Any Yes
from busways
Insulated cable examination with no Any No
manipulation of cable
Insulated cable examination with manipulation Any Yes
of cable
Work on exposed energized electrical Any Yes
conductors and circuit parts of equipment
directly supplied by a panelboard or motor
control center
Insertion and removal of revenue meters (kW- Any Yes
hour, at primary voltage and current)
For dc systems, insertion or removal of Any Yes
individual cells or multi-cell units of a battery
system in an enclosure
For dc systems, insertion or removal of Any No
individual cells or multi-cell units of a battery
system in an open rack
For dc systems, maintenance on a single cell of Any No
a battery system or multi-cell units in an open
rack
For dc systems, work on exposed energized Any Yes
electrical conductors and circuit parts or
utilization equipment directly supplied by a dc
source

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Task Condition* Arc Flash
PPE
Required?
Arc-resistant switchgear Type 1 or 2 (for All of the following: No
clearing times of <0.5 sec with a prospective The equipment is properly installed
fault current not to exceed the arc-resistant The equipment is properly maintained
rating of the equipment) and metal enclosed All equipment doors are closed and secured
interrupter switchgear, fused or unfused of arc All equipment covers are in place and
resistant type construction, tested in accordance secured
with IEEE C37.20.7: There is no evidence of impending failure
• Insertion or removal (racking) of CBs One or more of the following: Yes
from cubicles The equipment is not properly installed
• Insertion or removal (racking) of The equipment is not properly maintained
ground and test device Equipment doors are open or not secured
• Insertion or removal (racking) of Equipment covers are off or not secured
voltage transformers on or off the bus There is evidence of impending failure
Opening voltage transformer or control power Any Yes

transformer compartments
Outdoor disconnect switch operation Any Yes
(hookstick operated) at 1 kV through 15 kV
Outdoor disconnect switch operation (gang- Any Yes
operated, from grade) at 1 kV through 15 kV
Note: Hazard identification is one component of risk assessment. Risk assessment involves a determination of the likelihood
of occurrence of an incident, resulting from a hazard that could cause injury or damage to health. The assessment of the
likelihood of occurrence contained in this table does not cover every possible condition or situation. Where this table
indicates that arc flash PPE is not required, an arc flash is not likely to occur.
*The phrase properly installed, as used in this table, means that the equipment is installed in accordance with applicable
industry codes and standards and the manufacturer’s recommendations. The phrase properly maintained, as used in this table,
means that the equipment has been maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and applicable
industry codes and standards. The phrase evidence of impending failure, as used in this table, means that there is evidence of
arcing, overheating, loose or bound equipment parts, visible damage, deterioration, or other damage.

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APPENDIX 10 - ARC FLASH HAZARD PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR AC and DC SYSTEMS
Equipment – AC Systems Arc Flash Arc Flash

PPE Boundary
Category
Panelboards or other equipment rated 240 Volts and below
Parameters: Maximum of 25 kA short-circuit current available; maximum 1 19 inches
0.03 sec (2 cycles) fault clearing time; working distance 18 inches
Panelboards or other equipment rated > 240 volts and up to 600 volts 2 3 ft.
Parameters: Maximum of 25 kA short-circuit current available; maximum
600 V class motor control centers (MCCs) 2 5 ft.
600 V class motor control centers (MCCs) 4 14 ft.
600 V class switchgear (with power circuit breakers or fused switches) 4 20 ft.
and 600 V class switchboards
Other 600 V class (277 V through 600 V, nominal) equipment 2 5 ft.
NEMA E2 (fused contactor) motor starters, 2.3 kV through 7.2 kV 4 40 ft.
Parameters: Maximum of 35 kA short-circuit current available; maximum of
up to 0.24 sec (15 cycles) fault clearing time; working distance 36 inches
Metal-clad switchgear, 1 kV through 15 kV 4 40 ft.
Arc resistant switchgear Type 1 or 2 (for clearing times of <0.5 sec (30 N/A (doors N/A (doors
cycles) with a perspective fault current not to exceed the arc-resistant closed) closed)
rating of the equipment), and metal enclosed interrupter switchgear,
fused or unfused of arc-resistant-type construction, tested in accordance
with IEEE C37.20.7. 1 kV through 15 kV
Parameters: Maximum of 35 kA short-circuit current available; maximum of 4 (doors 40 ft.
up to 0.24 sec (15 cycles) fault clearing time; working distance 36 inches open)
Other equipment 1 kV through 15 kV 4 40 ft.
Note: For equipment rated 600 volts and below, and protected by upstream current-limiting fuses or current-limiting circuit
breakers sized at 200 amperes or less, the arc flash PPE category can be reduced by one number but not below category 1.

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ARC FLASH HAZARD PPE REQUIREMENTS FOR DC SYSTEMS
Equipment – DC Systems Arc Flash PPE Arc Flash

Category Boundary
Storage batteries, dc switchboards, and other dc
supply sources
100 V> Voltage<250 V
Parameters:
Voltage: 250 V
Maximum arc duration and working distance 2 sec
@18 inches
Short circuit current < 4 kA 1 3 ft.
4 kA< short-circuit current < 7 kA 2 4 ft.
7 kA< short-circuit current < 15 kA 3 6 ft.
Storage batteries, dc switchboards, and other dc
supply sources
250 V < Voltage < 600 V
Parameters:
Voltage: 600 V
Maximum arc duration and working distance 2 sec
@18 inches
Short-circuit current 1.5 kA 1 3 ft.
1.5 kA < short-circuit current < 3 kA 2 4 ft.
3 kA < short-circuit current < 7 kA 3 6 ft.
7 kA < short-circuit current < 15 kA 4 8 ft.
Note: A conservative value for the DC short circuit current is calculated by 10 times the 1 minute
ampere rating of the battery. A more accurate value for the short circuit current can be obtained from the
battery manufacturer.

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APPENDIX 11 - HRC/ARC FLASH PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) CATEGORIES
HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 1: Minimum Arc Rating of 4 cal/cm2

Clothing - Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or arc-rated coverall, arc-rated face shield or arc flash suit hood, arc-
rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection (ear canal inserts), voltage-rated
rubber gloves with heavy duty leather gloves, leather footwear.

Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt and pants or arc-rated coverall, arc-rated face shield or arc flash suit hood,
arc-rated balaclava, arc-rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection (ear canal inserts), voltage-rated
rubber gloves with heavy duty leather gloves, leather footwear.

Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, arc-rated pants, arc-rated coverall, arc-rated arc flash suit jacket, arc-rated
flash suit pants, arc-rated arc flash suit hood, arc-rated gloves, arc-rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat
liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection, (ear canal inserts), leather
footwear.
HRC/Arc Flash PPE Category 4 (Minimum Arc Rating of 40 cal/cm2).

Clothing – Arc-rated long-sleeve shirt, arc-rated pants, arc-rated coverall, arc-rated arc flash suit jacket, arc-rated
lash suit pants, arc-rated arc flash suit hood, arc-rated gloves, arc-rated jacket, parka, rainwear, or arc-rated hard hat
liner.
PPE – Class G or E hard hat, safety glasses or safety goggles, hearing protection (ear canal inserts), leather footwear.

PROGRAM
Rev. 11/18/js
APPENDIX 12 - CUSTOM ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FIELD EVALUATION FORM
Equipment Identification
Equipment Name
Equipment Fabricator
Department
Competent Person/Inspector
Refer to Guidance Document for inspection criteria. Inspection Satisfactory: (Check Box)
1 Equipment examination
2 Execution of work
3 Exposed metal parts grounded
4 Electrically conductive material likely to become energized is bonded
5 Strength
6 Electrical spacing
7 Overcurrent protection appropriate for intended use
NOTE: Approved equipment must be installed and used in accordance with the instructions
provided by the designer/builder and the Inspector.
Comments: Include all designer/builder instructions, restrictions on use, drawings or information that is
relevant to the safe installation and use of this equipment. Attach additional sheets as necessary.
Equipment status following review (indicate status);

Approved – Competent Person/Inspector - Form uploaded by EHRS to BioRAFT.
Conditional Approval (as documented above)
NRTL (for items approved by a NRTL)
Rejected (Note reason here):
Date:
Inspector - Print Name Inspector – Signature
Once approved for use, if this equipment is modified, relocated, damaged, repaired or utilized for other than the
intended use stated above, this approval is void pending re-examination
Submit completed form to EHRS


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University of Pennsylvania

Environmental Health & Radiation Safety

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400, Philadelphia, PA 19104

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

APPENDIX 12 - CUSTOM ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT FIELD EVALUATION FORM ............................... 66

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

1. PURPOSE & CORE PRINCIPLES

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

B) Energized Electrical Work Policy

• The appropriate job hazard/risk analysis.

Approved – Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

Energized – Electrically connected to, or is, a source of voltage.

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

Hazard – A source of possible injury or damage to health.

Hazardous – Involving exposure to at least one hazard.

Interlock – An electrical, mechanical, or key-locked device intended to prevent an undesired sequence of

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

Unqualified Person – A person who is not a Qualified Person.

A) Executive Director of EHRS and Designees:

B) Supervisors, Faculty & Lead Personnel:

2) Create standard operating procedures for electrical tasks.

3) Conduct arc flash and shock hazard risk assessments.

4) Conduct Job Briefings prior to hazardous tasks.

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

C) Students, Employees & Qualified Persons:

3) Trained on and understand the proper use of test instruments.

5) Understand the procedures for establishing an electrically safe work condition.

7) Maintain safe clearance distances from exposed live electrical parts.

9) Report unsafe conditions or electrical deficiencies immediately to appropriate faculty or supervisors.

D) Penn as the Host Employer

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

7) The contract employer/GC shall advise Penn of the following:

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

8) All non-rigid cords shall be provided strain relief where necessary.

7) All electrical control devices shall be properly labeled.

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

6. RISK ASSESSMENT PROCEDURE

1) Identify the electrical hazards.

2) Assess the risk by identifying and analyzing the tasks to be performed.

3) Implement risk control by determining the appropriate protective measures.

See Appendix 1 for sample risk assessment procedures.

7. ESTABLISHING AN ELECTRICALLY SAFE WORK CONDITION (LOCKOUT/TAGOUT)

A) Working On or Near Electrical Equipment (De-energizing Equipment)

B) Verification of an Electrically Safe Work Condition (Lockout/Tagout)

4) Release stored electrical energy.

5) Release or block stored mechanical energy.

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

C) Process of Reenergizing Equipment

3) Each person removes his or her lock(s) and tag(s).

8. WORK ON EXPOSED ENERGIZED ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (PERMIT REQUIRED)

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

A) Working on Energized Parts – Energized Electrical Work

1) Justification to work on energized equipment.

B) Energized Electrical Work Permit (See Appendix 3)

The work permit shall include the following items:

1) A description of the circuit and equipment to be worked on and the location.

3160 Chestnut Street, Suite 400 Philadelphia PA 19104

2) Description of the work to be performed.

3) Justification for why the work must be performed in an energized condition.

4) The voltage to which personnel will be exposed.

6) Determination of shock and arc flash protection boundaries.

7) The necessary PPE required to safely perform the assigned task.